Most of the time, dogs do things that amaze us, but our canine companions can also be really exasperating at times. Some pets have especially challenging habits, and when dogs dig holes all over the backyard, owners may find themselves being tested beyond measure.

So, what’s up with this canine behavior, and what can you do about it?

It’s Natural

Digging is a completely normal behavior, but the reasons why dogs dig may vary by breed, personality, and mental state. It’s crucial to remember that digging is an instinct that may be difficult for some dogs to curb. The good news is that owners can put strategies in place to better understand and manage this behavior.

 

Digging Deeper

Many breeds naturally dig their own dens, just like their ancestors would have done. Dens provide shelter and security, but many large breed dogs (like Huskies) dig holes in order to stay cool. Conversely, dogs also dig holes in cooler weather to stay warm. Female dogs may dig in preparation to give birth and raise puppies.

Fun to Hunt

Dogs can sense rodents moving underground, and a dog on the hunt will stop at nothing to find their prey. You might be shocked to see the extent of their damage, but you can bet Fido had a blast digging all those holes in your yard!

In addition, dogs dig because it feels good physically, and it helps them to relieve mental stress, boredom, and anxiety. Indeed, a dog who digs has a lot of time and energy to spare.

Freedom!

Some dogs dig because they’re looking for a way out. They may be driven to find a mate or simply feel the need to explore. If they can’t jump over a fence or slip out a gate, tunneling under is the only way to go. Please be sure to microchip your dog to help facilitate a happy reunion should your pet ever escape.

Bait and Switch

To help distract dogs who dig, provide your pet with additional opportunities to burn off excess energy. Increase the time they spend on walks or runs. If it’s difficult to make this commitment work with your schedule, consider hiring a dog walker or registering for doggy daycare.

To enhance your pet’s mental and physical stimulation at home, play with them in the backyard to distract them from digging.

If the digging is temperature-related, install a shallow wading pool full of chew toys and other pet-safe items. Your pet may be quite muddy at the end of the day, so be sure to rinse and dry them once playtime is over.

Dogs Dig… but Not Always!

Some dog owners have found success by filling the holes with their dog’s own feces or lava rocks. This will train your dog not to dig there, but it may not stop them from digging elsewhere. Continue with this tactic until your pet stops the behavior, usually within a couple weeks.

Don’t let your dog see you digging in the yard. Gardening, planting flowers, or filling holes they previously dug can reinforce the behavior. Always supervise your dog closely when in the backyard.

Positive Reinforcement

As with other types of unwanted canine behavior, training your dog not to dig is only successful with positive reinforcement. Never scold or punish your dog, as this will have the opposite effect.

If you need additional help with training or have more questions about canine behavior, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

The post Hot Diggity Dog: Why Dogs Dig (and What to do About It!) appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Our pets do so many adorable and endearing things, it would take forever to list them all. Occasionally, however, they surprise or even frighten us with a behavior that comes from seemingly nowhere.

One such phenomenon is the honking, gagging, wheezing sound, known as “reverse sneezing,” which is surprisingly common among dogs and cats (to a lesser degree).

While mostly safe, reverse sneezing in pets can produce an unpleasant and distressing sound. To know when this is normal and when it may indicate a health concern, it’s important that all pet owners learn more about this peculiar behavior.

 

Reverse Sneezing in Pets

Reverse sneezing in pets, also called “pharyngeal gag reflex” or “inspiratory paroxysmal respiration,” is believed to occur due to an irritation of the nasopharynx (the area behind the nasal cavities and above the soft palate). Anything can trigger a reverse sneeze, such as eating or drinking, viruses/bacteria, pollen, strong odors, exercise/leash-pulling, or foreign objects caught in the nose or throat. The reverse sneeze acts as a way to expel the irritant out of the nasopharynx, much like a regular sneeze clears the nasal passages of dust or debris.

A Deeper Issue

The occasional bout of reverse sneezing in pets is usually nothing to worry about, and some pets (especially short-nosed breeds) are simply more prone to it than others. However, persistent or excessive bouts of reverse sneezing warrant a trip to the veterinarian to rule out medical issues, such as:

• Allergies
• Nasal mites (parasites that infest the nasal passages of dogs)
• Laryngeal paralysis (more common in older pets)
• Tumors or growths in the nose, throat, and nearby structures
• Foreign body obstruction (such as grass awns)
• Collapsing trachea (a condition more common in smaller dogs)
• Asthma in cats

Getting Help

If you’re concerned about your pet’s reverse sneezing, try capturing it on video and bringing it in for us to see. It can be difficult (or impossible) to trigger a sneezing episode in our office, so recording it can help us to diagnose your pet and develop an effective treatment plan. Depending on the cause of your pet’s reverse sneezing, we may discuss medications, surgery, allergy treatments, and home care options.

Ensuring your pet’s health and comfort is our top priority. Please don’t hesitate to contact the staff at West Park Animal Hospital for more information or to schedule an appointment for your pet.

The post Snork, Honk, Wheeze: Is Reverse Sneezing in Pets Normal? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

If you’re the proud owner of a small dog, you know that big personalities often come in the tiniest packages. There are plenty of memes, YouTube videos, and other anecdotal evidence that shows tiny dogs bossing around bigger dogs, cats, and people.

However, while this may be funny to watch online, small dog aggression can cause real problems for both pets and their owners.

The team at West Park Animal Hospital wants all dogs to live in harmony with their families, regardless of size. That’s why we’re tackling the issue of small dog aggression head-on!

 

The Gift of Fear

One popular theory regarding small dog aggression is based on the idea that these dogs are aware of their small stature and are reacting out of fear. The term “Small Dog Syndrome” is used to describe characteristics that may be compensating for size, including:

• Overly-excitable behavior
• Jumping up on owners, other people, or larger dogs
• Growling at people or dogs
• Lunging or snapping at perceived threats
• Avoidance or fear of larger dogs (hiding, running away)
• Failure to obey commands, difficult to train

Not every small dog will display these behaviors, but dealing with even a few of these characteristics can make life difficult for both people and pets.

Nature vs. Nurture

Studies of animal behavior, such as the C-BARQ Profiles (developed by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Interaction of Animals and Society), show that small dog owners report more behavioral problems than owners of larger dogs. This could be due in part to genetics – because aggression in little dogs is a lot less damaging than in big dogs, it’s not a trait that’s “bred out” of smaller breeds. As a result, there may be a higher percentage of small dogs exhibiting these behaviors.

On the other hand, a more likely explanation is that small dog owners simply let their pets get away with things that aren’t tolerated in larger dogs. Their small size and extreme cuteness makes it easy to ignore (or even unintentionally reward) undesirable characteristics like growling, lunging, jumping, and more. However, allowing a dog to be disobedient or aggressive will only encourage more bad behavior in the long run.

Dealing with Small Dog Aggression

Although a toy poodle probably can’t do any serious damage with those little teeth, small dog aggression can make life miserable for dog owners. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help combat these behaviors:

• Set clear expectations for your pet and stick to them. Make a list of rules and boundaries, and get the whole family on board.
• Do some training with your dog at home or sign up for an obedience class. Consistency is key. Be sure to reward your pet with treats or praise for a job well done.
• Small dogs need daily exercise and play to burn off excess energy and keep them mentally engaged. Commit to a daily exercise and play session to help your pet stay focused, improve behavior, and to help encourage healthy interactions with other animals and people.
• If your small dog is aggressive toward larger dogs, try slowly introducing them to a large dog who’s friendly. This should be done under close supervision with at least one adult per dog to control the interaction.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s behavior, please give us a call. We can help you develop a plan to get your pet back on track!

The post Small Dog Aggression: Is it Real? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

If your cat is suddenly making noise while breathing that you aren’t used to hearing, you may be understandably concerned. While the occasional kitty sneeze or sniffle can be adorable, many times changes in breathing noises can indicate a problem.

So how is a pet owner to know whether a cat-sized wheeze is just a one-off or something more serious like feline asthma? Thankfully, you aren’t expected to have all the answers. This is where your friends at West Park Animal Hospital come in.

 

Feline Asthma and Other Breathing Problems

There are many possibilities when it comes to reasons why your cat’s breathing may sound a little different than normal. Some problems are more common than others, and many can look similar without further investigation.

Some of the more common causes of changes in breathing we see in cats include:

Cardiac problems — A congenital heart condition or one that develops over time such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to fluid build up in the lungs. This can result in noisy or labored breathing and sometimes coughing or retching.

Feline asthma — Just like in people, some cats’ lower airways can become inflamed when triggered by allergens, resulting in wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Laryngitis — Infectious processes, trauma, and even tumors can cause inflammation in the back of the throat, resulting in breathing changes.

Lung disease — A problem in the actual lungs such as pneumonia can certainly lead to heavy, noisy breathing.

Obesity — Increases in weight can lead to increased respiratory noise and even apnea, especially in animals that may already have narrowed airways, such as brachycephalic breeds like Persians.

Nasopharyngeal polyps — Any tumor growing in the back of the throat can lead to increased respiratory noise. In cats most commonly these are benign nasopharyngeal polyps.

Parasites — Unwelcome parasite infections like feline heartworms and lungworms can wreak havoc on the lungs, resulting in breathing abnormalities.

Upper respiratory infection — Perhaps the most common reason we see cats, many bacterial and viral infections can cause upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes in the feline species.

When to Call Us

When you notice a little wheeze or sneeze in your cat, it can sometimes be hard to decide whether or not it warrants a trip in to see us. While the occasional hack or snore can be normal, please call us if:

• The abnormal noise(s) persist more than a few hours
• The noise(s) are new
• They are accompanied by ocular or nasal discharge
• Your cat’s breathing is labored
• Your cat is panting like a dog
• The symptoms are accompanied by abnormal behaviors like hiding, not eating, or decreased activity
• Your cat is coughing
• The gums and/or tongue appear blue or gray
• Your pet appears to be in distress

You can also monitor your pet’s resting respiratory rate at home. This can be an important tool when deciding if your pet needs immediate attention or not, and can help us to hone in on a diagnosis.

Breathing noises in cats can sometimes be normal, but it is always best to err on the side of safety. With an accurate diagnosis, even more serious problems such as feline asthma are manageable. So when your cat sniffles, sneezes, or coughs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The sooner we diagnose the problem, the sooner we can get your cat back to normal.

The post Sneezy, Wheezy, and Snorey: Feline Asthma and Other Cat Breathing Noises appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

The special anatomy of cat and dog ears can create certain challenges. Infection and inflammation are common ailments that affect multiple parts of the ear, but injury can also occur. All problems in and around the ear have the potential for intense discomfort and should be properly addressed. Pet ear cleaning is just one way to promote overall health of this part of the body, and we’ve got some tips to help you get started!

A Closer Look

The outer ear is called the pinna. Dog breeds with long, floppy ears, those with a lot of hair around the ear, and swimmers are more prone to suffering ear infections. The pinna is also susceptible to bites, scratches, or abrasions.

The middle ear contains the fragile eardrum (tympanic membrane), small bones, an air-filled cavity, and a thin tube that leads to the back of the mouth.

The inner ear contains nerves and is comprised of the centers for hearing and balance. It also connects to the brain.

Frequent Flyers

Pet ear cleaning can prevent or reduce issues related to the following:

• Infection (caused by yeast, mites, or bacteria)
• Inflammation from hair, dirt/dust, plant material, etc.
• Skin lesions or masses, such as polyps, viral papillomas, and different types of tumors
• Endocrine disorders, like Cushing’s disease, hyper/hypo-thyroidism, and other glandular problems that negatively affect the immune system

You may notice head shaking or tilting, excessive scratching of the area, odor, discharge, and behavioral changes.

Pet Ear Cleaning

It’s always a good idea to keep the hair trimmed around the outer ears. Before you get started with pet ear cleaning, gather the following supplies:

• 10-15 clean cotton balls
• A towel or blanket
• Pet ear cleaning solution (use pet-safe products)

Secure your pet on your lap or a table. Give them lots of praise (and maybe a treat or two!).

• Saturate a cotton ball with cleaning solution.
• Gently squeeze the cotton ball into the ear canal.
• Massage the fluid into the ear.
• Using a dry cotton ball, wipe away any debris.
• Never force cotton balls or your finger into the ear. Only use clean cotton balls inserted about ½ inch into the ear.
• Continue wiping in and around the ears until the cotton balls come out clean.

Afterwards, continuous draining of the solution and debris is 100% normal.

Moving Ahead

Pet ear cleaning may be conducted twice a month or as recommended by your veterinarian. If your pet swims or plays in the water, thoroughly dry their ears and pay attention to any signs of possible infection.

Lastly, maintain your pet’s wellness appointments so we can routinely check on the health of the ears. Blood tests can be very helpful in diagnosing endocrine or skin issues that can affect the ears.

If you have additional questions about pet ear cleaning, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Westpark Animal Hospital!

The post Tips and Tricks for Pet Ear Cleaning appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Just like in humans, a dog’s skin is their largest organ, and it plays an incredible role in their overall health. Whether it’s regulating body temperature, creating vitamin D, or providing a critical line of defense against pathogens, the skin is truly an amazing thing!

That’s why when the skin is impacted by health issues, major problems can arise. According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, skin conditions in dogs are among the top reasons they’re seen by a veterinarian, so it’s important to take the health of your pet’s skin seriously. After all, when the skin suffers, your dog suffers, too!

 

Skin Conditions in Dogs

The most common skin conditions in dogs that we see here at West Park Animal Hospital include:

• Allergies – Allergies to pollen, mold, chemicals, food, or fleas often manifest as skin conditions in dogs. An allergic pet may excessively lick, paw, or chew at the face, ears, paws, or groin area.
• Infection – A breakdown in the immune system can lead to an increased chance of bacterial or fungal infection.
• External parasites – Fleas, skin mites (mange), and lice (specific to dogs) can all cause itchy skin. A dog who’s allergic to flea saliva can suffer a severe reaction from just one bite.
• Dryness – Dryness can manifest as itching, flaking, dull coat, and/or cracked skin.
• Atopic dermatitis – This severely itchy condition can occur when the immune system has weakened due to allergies or other causes. The intense scratching and licking put your pet at risk for skin infections known as hot spots.
• Lumps and bumps – Cysts, benign fatty tumors, and malignancies can all occur on or just below the surface of your pet’s skin.

Helping and Healing

The good news is that much of your dog’s skin health is in your hands. The following tips can help boost your pup’s immune system and protect them from environmental factors that can trigger skin issues:

• Adhere to your dog’s regularly scheduled wellness visits and any lab work your veterinarian recommends.
• Make sure your dog is on a year-round flea preventive medication, even if they have no history of fleas.
• Groom your dog on a regular basis to evenly distribute oils in the skin and remove accumulated allergens in the fur.
• Feed them a high-quality diet, and ask your vet about omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
• Vacuum, dust, and wash your pet’s bedding frequently. This can help lower the amount of allergens in your home.

Skin conditions in dogs can be incredibly frustrating, but the team at West Park Animal Hospital is here for you every step of the way. Together, we can develop a plan to reduce your pet’s symptoms and restore their health and vitality. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

The post Beneath the Surface: Common Skin Conditions in Dogs appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

By now, pet owners are well aware that chocolate is bad for pets. The dangers of allowing pets to consume xylitol (a sugar substitute) is also becoming more widely known – and for good reason. Xylitol, which is commonly found in sugar-free candy, baked goods, gum, and other products, can lead to a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and kidney failure in dogs.

Sugar is in practically everything we eat, but the popularity of low-carb and keto diets has led many people to seek out sugar alternatives. Sugar alcohols, like erythritol and plant-based sweeteners such as stevia, have exploded onto the market, and they can be purchased almost anywhere.

Here at West Park Animal Hospital, we’re always on the lookout for potential new pet toxins, and considering artificial sweeteners and pets is an important part of our ongoing research.

 

The Facts About Artificial Sweeteners and Pets

Artificial sweeteners are food additives that provide a sweet taste but without the excess calories of sugar. We’ve broken down the most common artificial sweeteners on the market and their effects on pets:

• Erythritol – This sugar alcohol is industrially produced, and its versatility makes it a popular choice for followers of low-carb and keto diets. Studies have found erythritol is safe for dogs.
• Aspartame – Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar, so it can be used in much smaller amounts. Products containing aspartame can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in pets.
• Sucralose – Sold under the brand name Splenda, sucralose holds up well in baked goods, and it can be found in diet beverages and other items. It’s not toxic to pets, but there is evidence that overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
• Stevia – Stevia is a popular sugar substitute produced from the leaves of the South American plant stevia rebaudiana. Studies have not found stevia to be toxic to dogs, but eating too much may cause diarrhea.
• Monk fruit sweetener – Monk fruit, also known as lo han guo, is a small, round fruit grown in southeast Asia. The fruit’s extract has 150-200 times the sweetness of sugar without the calories, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural alternative to sugar. The monk fruit plant is not toxic to pets.
• Saccharine – Saccharine is the primary ingredient in Sweet‘N Low and is mainly found in diet drinks, drink mixes, salad dressings, and canned fruits labeled “light.” Although this ingredient isn’t toxic to pets, gastrointestinal upset can occur.

The Bottom Line

Although sugar substitutes are relatively safe for pets (with the obvious exception of xylitol), artificially sweetened foods have no place in a pet’s diet. It’s best to provide your companion with a high-quality, age appropriate pet food along with an occasional healthy treat, such as plain cooked veggies or (pet-friendly) fresh fruit.

If you have additional questions regarding artificial sweeteners and pets, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff.

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