Frazzled Felines & Scaredy Cats

There are millions of cats in the United States - approximately 86 million owned cats compared to 78 million owned dogs. More than half of those cat owners say their cat hates the vet. There tends to be a lot of hiding, scratching, yowling and gnashing of teeth as soon as that carrier comes into view. Often times, the process of bringing cats to the vet is so stressful, pet owners opt out of going altogether.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) shares the following statistics:

• Almost twice as many cats than dogs never visit the veterinarian.
• Of the cats that do visit the veterinarian, they average 26% fewer visits than dogs.
• 41% of cat owners visit the veterinarian only for vaccinations.
• 39% of cat owners say they would only take their cat to the veterinarian if the cat was sick.

These statistics are alarming because cats need regular veterinary care! Cats are stoic and physiologically different than human beings. They are experts at hiding illnesses and will not always show pain, sickness or discomfort the way we might expect them to. By the time you start to see signs of illness, a disease might already be in advanced stages. This makes treatment more difficult, lengthy and more costly.

Today we'll talk about some steps that you, the cat owner, can take to help make veterinary visits less stressful for you and your kitty.

The Carrier

For your cat, the carrier signifies a scary car ride, unfamiliar surroundings and a sensory overload of smells and sounds. This explains why your cat bolts the minute you retrieve it from storage. Ideally, you should start desensitizing your cat to the carrier at a young age, but it is never too late to make the carrier a familiar object. Find a quiet place in your home where your cat has 100% access and where you can keep the carrier permanently. Put a favorite blanket or an article of your clothing inside. Leave the door open. Let your cat nap inside it. Reward your kitty with treats when they venture into it. In their own time, your cat will come to accept the carrier as a normal presence. This may take days, weeks or months but the ultimate goal is for your cat to see the carrier as part of everyday life, something positive and familiar.

Develop a "Pre-vet" Routine

One of the best things you can do is give your feline regular head to tail "check ups" at home. Routinely run your hands along the length of your cat's body, feeling for any bumps or lumps. If they'll allow it, use your fingers to lift their lips to check their teeth. Try to make touching their paws an everyday activity. This will help your cat to get used to being handled and may make your veterinarians exam go much smoother.

Waiting Room Etiquette

The waiting room at the vet's office may be the scariest part of the visit - dogs barking, other cats hissing, anxious humans, doors opening and closing. Bring a towel or blanket from home and cover the top of your cat's carrier. This limits visual stimuli and the smell of home can be comforting for a stressed feline. DO NOT REMOVE YOUR CAT FROM THE CARRIER IN THE WAITING ROOM. Felines are solitary animals and highly predatory. They will feel safer inside the carrier (and will be less likely to scratch you in protest).

Exam Room No-no

Most cats do not voluntarily exit the carrier once the veterinarian is ready to examine them. Often times, cat owners will simply dump, shake or pull their cat out of the carrier. This is traumatic! It is best to remove the top from your carrier (or unzip it) and let the veterinarian do the majority of the exam within the carrier. If you need to remove Fluffy to weigh him or trim his nails, do so gently and slowly. Speak calmly and in a soft tone of voice, letting him know you are right there with them.

Consider Pheromonotherapy

Pheromonotherapy is a natural solution to stress related problems in cats and dogs. Pheromones are basically chemical "signals" used to communicate between animals of the same species. When our cats rub their faces on us or scratch up our furniture, they are using pheromones to mark their territory. The idea behind pheromonotherapy is that by using synthetic pheromones, we can reduce stressful situations (i.e. moving, bringing new pets into the home, or in this case, veterinary visits). For cats, we recommend a product called Feliway. It is available as a diffuser, a spray, and was recently introduced as a wipe. The pheromone in Feliway is a synthetic copy of the facial pheromone that cats use to mark objects in their environment. Try spraying the inside of your cats carrier with Feliway 15-20 minutes before use. For extended stays (such as a surgical procedure or kennel boarding), use a Feliway Diffuser at home for the cat's return. Using a Feliway Diffuser will also help other cats in a multi-cat household, as the returning pet may smell and/or look different (bandages, collar, etc.).

Clearly, vet-related stress has caused some significant resistance in providing cats with routine veterinary care. In response, Rau Animal Hospital has been working with The American Association of Feline Practitioners to become a cat-friendly practice and ensure that your cat's visit with us is a good one. Please give some of these suggestions a try, and give us a call if you have any questions or concerns. We need all paws on deck when it comes to making vet visits less stressful for our beloved felines!

Zoonosis and You

What exactly is zoonosis? Zoonosis is any disease that is transmittable from animals to humans under natural conditions. Zoonotic diseases can be caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungi. Those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the elderly, and people undergoing cancer therapy, are more susceptible to zoonotic infections than others.

How are zoonotic diseases transmitted? 

The infection can be transmitted to humans from infected animals either directly (through contact with body fluids, etc.) or indirectly (through vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks).

What are some common zoonotic diseases?

Parasites: The two most common parasites responsible for zoonotic diseases are roundworms and hookworms.  Roundworm can cause diarrhea, lethargy and weight loss in animals and also can cause what is called larva migrans in people. Ocular larva migrans can result in retinal detachment, loss of vision, and blindness. Hookworms can cause skin, lung, and intestinal disease in dogs and cats. The larvae of some hookworms can also penetrate human skin, appearing as itchy, reddish, coiling lesions. Another parasitic disease is Toxoplasmosis. It is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii and can be spread by a cat who has ingested the parasite by eating raw meat, wild birds or rodents. The cat expels the parasite in its feces and can contaminate garden soil, sand boxes or its own litter box. A human may inadvertently consume contaminated fecal material from unwashed hands. A pregnant woman who contracts toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is at risk of passing the infection to her unborn child.

Viruses: Rabies - a disease that is transmissible to dogs, cats, humans and a wide variety of other animals. It affects the central nervous system causing brain disease and ultimately, death. Pets are often exposed through contact with wildlife (i.e. skunks, possum, raccoons). Even if your pet is indoors only, there is always a chance they will escape or the possibility that a wild animal, like a raccoon or a bat, could make its way inside your home.

Bacteria: You may have heard your vet talk about something called leptospirosis. "Lepto" is passed through contact with bodily fluids, mainly urine. It can be passed to people from infected pets through contact with their urine. It can also be passed to people through contact with urine from other infected animals, such as rodents.

More commonly known bacterial infections are Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. These are bacteria that can cause infection of the intestinal tract of dogs, cats and humans. The disease can be passed through contact with infected feces. It can be a concern with feeding raw food diets but many commercial food recalls are a result of Salmonella or E. coli contamination as well.

Fungi: Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that is particularly common in puppies and kittens. It is not caused by a worm but rather a fungus. Ringworm is easily passed from pets to people and from people to pets. It causes a red, itchy rash and if not treated, the skin could blister and become infected.

Yikes! So, what can you do? Common sense and good hygiene go a long way. Here are a few simple precautions to take:

. Wash hands before eating and after handling pets.

. Schedule annual checkups and fecal exams for your pet.

. Seek veterinary care for sick pets.
. Keep rabies vaccinations current.
. Maintain appropriate flea and tick control.
. Avoid letting your pet lick your face, food utensils, or plate.
. Seek medical attention for animal bites.
. Feed your pets cooked or commercially processed food.
. Scoop litter boxes to remove fecal material daily.
. Periodically clean litter boxes with hot water and detergent/soap.
. Wear gloves when gardening or handling raw meat; wash hands afterwards.
. Cover children's sandboxes when not in use.
. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

For more information on zoonosis, talk with your veterinarian or visit www.cdc.gov or www.who.int.

Kick the Ticks!

As summer finally arrives, so do our least favorite bugs. Ticks are here, hiding in the woods and grass, eagerly waiting for a meal. The victim? You and your pet. 

Pet owners should keep in mind that it has to be VERY cold to kill a tick, at least 10 degrees F, and it has to stay at that temperature for some time. All it takes is temperatures of around 40 degrees F for ticks to be active. For that reason, we should take precautionary measures for ourselves and our pets should be on a flea and tick preventative year-round!

What's worse than a tick? A boat load of ticks. According to Dr. Susan Little, expert in veterinary parasitology at Oklahoma State University, there has been a considerable increase in tick populations in the last ten years.

There are many reasons that the tick population has risen:

• Warmer winters
• Suburbanization
• An increase in white-tailed deer
• Migratory birds
• The use of fewer insecticides

Not only are ticks nasty to look it, they carry several diseases that could infect you or your pet - the most well-known being Lyme disease.

The deer tick is the culprit. A good indicator of a deer tick carrying Lyme disease is a bull's eye rash around the bite. Other symptoms of Lyme disease in humans include fatigue, fever, headache, joint pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. In your pet, you may notice lethargy, limping or stiffness when walking or laying down/getting up.

The good news is that Lyme is treatable in both humans and pets. Consult your doctor if a bull's eye rash appears or if you have symptoms of the disease in the weeks following a bite. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has ticks or shows any of the symptoms of the disease.

There are things to do to reduce the chance of you or your pet getting a tick bite:

• Wear long pants and long sleeves when out in the woods or tall grass.
• Use monthly flea and tick preventative on your pets
• Always check your pet and yourself for ticks after being outdoors.
• If you find a tick, use tweezers to pull it out. Other methods, such as petroleum jelly, nail polish remover or burning matches, don't work.

For more information about ticks and Lyme disease, go to the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/.

Dog Days of Summer

The summer months are finally here! It's officially time for fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when our furry companions are at risk for heat stroke.

Did you know that dogs don't sweat? At least not the same way humans do. They expel heat through the pads of their paws and by panting. Unfortunately, panting is not always enough when it is extremely hot and humid.

Hyperthermia, or heat stroke, is an elevation of body temperature. This is a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention in both humans and dogs alike. Once a dog's body temperature reaches 106 degrees, damage to the body and organs may be irreversible.

Learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.

What to watch for:

vigorous panting

red/dark pink gums

tacky/dry mucous membranes (specifically the gums)

lethargy, unwillingness to get up

collapse

disorientation, staggering

vomiting

diarrhea

How to prevent heat stroke:

1. NEVER leave your dog in the car on hot days. We understand pets are part of the family and that they often accompany us on various outings. No matter how well we plan ahead, it seems we always have to run a quick errand or two along the way. But remember, even if it doesn't seem that hot, the internal temperature of a car can reach well above 100 degrees within minutes. If you have to bring Fido along for the ride, family members should stay with the car and the dogs, keeping doors and windows open. If you are alone, the above scenario isn't possible. Get creative! Use the drive-thru. This is an easy option at many restaurants, banks, and pharmacies. Shop in pet-friendly stores. Most pet stores allow pets, and they often carry drinks and snacks if you are in a hurry.

2. Always provide fresh, cool, easily accessible water to keep your dog well hydrated.

3. Steer clear of long walks and prolonged exposure to the sun. If you want to exercise your dog, do so in the morning when the temperatures are at their lowest.

4. Use a sprinkler or doggie pool when out in the yard (of course, do not leave pets unattended in the pool).

5. Grooming can also play a part in summer health. If your dog has long or thick fur, talk to your groomer about the coolest summer cut.

6. For animals that are indoors only, be sure to use air conditioning or cooling fans. Access to the basement often provides a naturally cool place to retreat from the summer heat.

What to do if you suspect heat stroke:

1. Move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.

2. Place wet rags or washcloths on the foot pads and around the head, but replace them frequently as they warm up. DO NOT use ice or ice water! Over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems.

3. Offer your dog cool water. Try not to let your dog drink excessive amounts at a time.

4. Call or visit your vet right away. 

These tips can help keep your pets cool and happy. Happy Summer!

5 Surprising Perks to Pet Ownership

     Our dogs and cats are like family. Not only do they provide us with endless entertainment, but they love us unconditionally - when we're sad or angry or even when we're having a bad hair day. They keep us laughing, keep us company, and certainly keep us on our toes. We already know that pets enrich our lives and bring us joy, but there are many other benefits to pet ownership that you may not have realized (as if you needed another reason to love your furry friends.)

1.) Improved Social Life

Animals are an instant icebreaker! Owning a pet can lead to simple but direct interactions (think puppy classes, dog parks, outdoor cafes.) According to USA today, studies show that pet owners scored higher than non-pet owners in gaining trust, making connections and helping out their neighbors!

2.) Battle Loneliness

We all experience loneliness at some point in our lives. Separation, divorce, and death of a loved one are among the many experiences in life that cause us to feel sad or alone. Our pets help us get through those hard times. Having a companion to care for gives us a sense of purpose. What's more, being with our pets encourages production of higher levels of endorphins and dopamine (our body's natural stress reducers.)

3.) Get More Exercise!

Our pets need exercise! Whether chasing the cat away from your houseplants or going for a jog with the dog, pets motivate us to be more active. Did you know that dog owners walk almost twice as much in a week than non-dog owners? In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, dog owners responsible for walking their pups are less likely to be obese.

4.) Prevent Allergies?!

Yes! According to WebMD, the more time children spend around pets, the greater their chance of avoiding pet allergies as an adult. Children exposed to animals early on even tend to develop stronger immune systems. Who knew?

5.) Our Pets Truly Are Lifesavers!

According to the American Heart Association, pet ownership is associated with decreased risk of heart disease! Spending time with Fluffy or Fido can help lower blood pressures and lessen stress. Dogs and cats have even shown the ability to detect illness in humans. Some animals can sense a seizure before it happens. And there are dogs that have been trained to detect cancer!

The Truth about the NJ Pet Seatbelt Law

from pettravelcenter.com

Recently, New Jersey passed an animal transportation law.  In brief, any person who transports a pet in a cruel or inhumane manner is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.  Basically, pets cannot be traveling in the back of a pickup truck, nor can they have most of their body hanging out with their paws on the windowsill.  Many people have latched on to this news and incorrectly reported that owners of pets who are not buckled in will be ticketed.  While we highly recommend buckling your pet into the car (find a pet seat belt harness here) it is not required by law.

Many pets love the car, especially dogs.  They like to run around and stick their head out the window while the wind flies up their nostrils.  Unfortunately, an unrestrained pet can turn into a projectile when there is a sudden stop or traffic accident.  It’s quite dangerous to let your pet be loose in the car. So, if you decide you want to buckle your pet in, it’s ok for them to be near a window to stick out their snout.  By all means, they should be allowed to look out a window if they enjoy that. 

What if you need to transport a pet who hates the car? This is a bit harder. The best way for an unhappy animal is to place them in a mobile kennel or carrier, and cover them with a blanket or towel.  Don’t keep lifting the towel and talking to them, because it will cause more excitement to an already-stressed animal.  It can be hard if they cry for attention.  If your pet is crying at the start of a car ride, make sure they are not hurt.  Then, keep your attention AWAY from your pet.  This is the best thing for your pet, however cruel it may sound.  Many pets will settle down and sleep if nobody makes them excited. Make sure the pet is kept cool, and stop frequently to walk them. 

If you don’t know how your pet reacts to the car, try a short drive around the block.  If they get too stressed, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about a mild sedative to calm them. 

Solving Food Aggression in Dogs

Food aggression occurs when a dog snarls, growls, or moves his body between you and his food bowl while eating. Remember that you are the boss, because you are the provider, not a threat. If you laugh at or ignore the bad behavior it will only serve to positively reinforce it.

First thing’s first. When do you feed your dog? Is it before or after the family meal? Feeding the dog first puts it in his brain that he is the alpha dog. The reason is that in the wild, the alpha dog gets first pickings of the kill. Don’t give your dog first pickings! Feed the family first, make sure none of your family members feed the dog from the table, and after the people meal comes the doggie meal. This is absolutely the first tangible step in changing the behavior.

While getting your dog’s meal ready, make him sit or lie down for the entire preparation time. If your dog does not know how to sit, click here for a great video to help you teach him.

Put your dog’s bowl on the floor with the food in it, and stand at a comfortable distance from him. Stay there – do not move forward on the first day – and over time, take one step closer during feeding times. Flick treats in the general direction of the bowl while the pet is eating.

When the bowl is empty (and it is not meal time), put one of your dog’s favorite treats in the bowl. Do it each time you walk near the bowl, and the treats combined with your presence will gain a positive connection. You can also hand-feed treats and once the dog takes the treats from your hand calmly, pet his head and talk softly while he eats.

If your dog is aggressive toward other dogs during feeding time, you must separate them when food is put down. Simply put the aggressive one in a room by himself and shut the door.

You can change your dog’s behavior by changing the way he thinks about you and food. Be firm, kind, and consistent.