tagged w/ Dr Carol
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Expecting a new baby can change a lot of things, including your adult dog’s behavior. His position in your family will change and you don’t want him to blame the baby. Make as many changes in your home environment and your dog’s routine as early as you can.
If certain areas of your home will be off limits, like the nursery, establish that now. It’s also a good idea to teach your dog the difference between his toys and the baby’s. For dogs that have trouble differentiating between certain toys, use scent recognition to teach them the difference – put a dab of Listerine on the baby’s toys, truss the scented baby toy and a dog toy then play the game “which one is yours?” Playing this game once a week, most dogs learn the difference within a month.
The sound of a crying baby also upsets a lot of adult dogs, so it’s a good idea to desensitize your dog to the sounds before the baby arrives. Use a tape of a baby crying, put it in the crib, turn it on and see how your dog reacts.
http://www.organizedwisdom.com/introducing-your-dog-to-your-new-baby-dr-carols-naturally-healthy-pets-blog/6682682-9157762/nxi/medExpecting a new baby can change a lot of things, including your adult dog’s... more
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Denver television news anchor was bitten by a large dog on live television recently. While many were shocked, statistics show that one million people are treated for dog bites each year. Certain dog breeds are more prone to attack than others, and adult dogs with little or no training during their younger years are even more aggressive. Are you aware of the warning signs of an aggressive dog attack?
Warning Signs of Dog Attack:
Tail pointed up.
Ears standing up.
Stance is straight-legged and stiff.
Lips appear retracted with teeth showing.
Direct eye contact with the dog.
Leaning toward the potential victim.
Knowing the signs of a potential attack can help prevent attacks. Once you recognize signs that a dog may be about to attack, back away from the dog to avoid attacks and attempt to put the animal at ease. Dog owners should be aware of signs their dog may be about to attack and diffuse situations immediately for the protection of the dog, owner, and potential victim.
For more information on dog behavior issues and dog attacks, see the following links:
Aggression In Dogs
Toddler Dead After Family Dog AttackDenver television news anchor was bitten by a large dog on live television recently.... more
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Taffy pet chews manufactured by Merrick Pet Care have been recalled due to possible Salmonella bacterial contamination.
Merrick Pet Care of Amarillo, Texas, issued the recall of Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats (UPC 02280827077, all lots up to and including No. 10364) because these pet treats may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
The Jr. Texas Taffy pet chews were shipped to pet distributors and pet retailers from coast to coast across the country.
Pet owners who have purchased the tainted Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats can return the unused portions to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Pet owners with questions about the tainted pet treats may contact Merrick directly at 1-800-664-7387.
Salmonella bacteria are highly contagious and are transmissible to other pets and as well as people. Pet Diarrhea with or without blood and vomiting are the cardinal signs. The diarrhea can be quite severe, leading to dehydration which without treatment may be fatal.
Pets sickened and/or suspected of ingesting these treats should be taken to their veterinarian and people experiencing any symptoms should see their physician.
Salmonella Therapy involves medications to clear the diarrhea, fluid replacement to promote normal hydration and nursing care to restore normal health for pets and people. Hospitalization is required in many cases.
Salmonella pet infections in dogs and cats can cause signs which can include lethargy and diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only have a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise apparently healthy pets can be asymptomatic carriers and spread Salmonella bacteria to other animals and people.
Pet owners are urged to contact their veterinarian if their dog and/or cat may have consumed or come into contact with the recalled pet chews.
Salmonella is considered to be a Zoonotic Disease which means it may be transmitted from pets to people. Pet owners who may have touched the tainted treats and/or contacted the any surfaces exposed to them are at risk of becoming infected with Salmonella bacteria.
Avoid possible Salmonella contamination by practicing proper hygiene. Washing your hands well and disinfecting pet bowls with bleach is helpful to minimize contamination and spread of this bacteria.
Careful disposal of the pet treats in a covered trash receptacle is also recommended to prevent potential spread of this zoonotic bacteria.
Pet owners and household members especially at risk include the elderly, immune compromised individuals and infants.
Signs of Salmonella infections in people may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Salmonella bacterial infections can also become more severe and result in arterial infections, heart infections referred to as endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. People exhibiting these signs after having contact with the recalled pet chews should contact their health care provider ASAP.
Pet owners who have purchased the Jr. Texas Taffy pet chews can return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers can contact Merrick Pet Care at 800-664-7387, Monday-Friday, 8-5 CST.
Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, information and anti-aging updates for your dogs and cats.
Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations for dogs and/ or cats.
.Taffy pet chews manufactured by Merrick Pet Care have been recalled due to possible... more
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Fun, safe, and exciting holiday adventures to enjoy and explore for pets and their people.
This New Year, almost 50% of America’s pet lovers plan to celebrate the festivities along with their 4-legged furry friends. In fact, traveling with pets has become the latest rage.
Not only have nearly 40,000 pet-friendly venues opened their doors to pet travelers, they are competing for your business and are ready, willing and able to pamper your pooch and cater to your every wim.
The ever growing pack of pet-friendly properties includes hotels ranging from the Hilton and Ritz Carlton to the Starwood and the Hotel W Chain.
Pet Perks for 2011 include amenities from designer dog beds made to match their human signature counterparts, plush puppy ropes along with leashes, collars and even personal puppy pagers. Pet massage therapists are on call and ready to roll when Fido needs a good massage.
Gourmut treats, made to order are prepared and placed on your pet’s pillow at turndown time.
For the casual pet traveler, offers include camp grounds, off leash parks, ski resorts, like Telluride and pet friendly beaches in Key West and Santa Belle.
Now, for those of you flying the friendly skies, it’s finally time for pet lovers to rejoice. You don’t have to worry about putting your pet in cold cargo holds anymore; dogs and cats now fly first class on Pet Airways. It’s the first pets only, no humans allowed airline.
Pets embark on a gorgeous, Beech craft 1900.
The pet jet accommodates 19 “pawsengers and offer nonstop service between nine major U.S. cities. Believe it or not, the demand is so high, this pet jet has already increased their flight schedule by over 30% since their initial launch, last July.
Pets are hand-walked up the paw-printed ramp into the jet’s cabin which is fully lit, climate controlled and pressurized. Even better is the fact that pet owners no longer have to worry about a “carrier” because each cabin becomes fully stocked with custom carriers available to fit pets of all shapes and sizes.
A personal attendant checks your “furry friend” at fifteen minutes intervals throughout the flight and should any medications be needed, that’s included in the package.
While you’re at your veterinarian’s office, your pet will receive a physical exam, and his or her vaccine records and inoculation dates will be reviewed so you pet is up to date on his shots.
Keeping a copy of your pet’s health records, with you is always a good idea.
This is very helpful so that pet owners are able to address unexpected pet health issues which tend to arise when we least expect them.
Unruly pets that lack manners, tend to be aggressive or are chronic barkers are generally not ideal traveling companions and in most cases are better off left at home.
What about the cost of flying the friendly skies with Fido?
Pet Airways offers a fair flat fee of $149.00 dollars each way. In addition, they also offer a great pet rewards program.
Log on to PetAirways.com, join “My Pet Club,” …don’t worry…it’s free.
Consider a few of this veterinarians tried and true holistic pet travel remedies.
In general, regardless of your method of travel, to avoid motion sickness, withhold food or water for about four before departure time. Ginger soothes sensitive stomachs, and offering your 4-legged companion a bite of a ginger snap cookie is an option.
Mastica and/or L-Glutamine, are natural over the counter nutrients that are given by mouth and work like a charm to relieve and/or help avoid motion sickness.
What can pet owners do to relieve nerves, anxiety and stress for their traveling dogs and cats?
Bach’s 5-Flower Pet Rescue Remedy is a natural liquid homeopathic remedy. Placing a few drops onto your pet’s food, mouth or water works as well for dogs and cats as it does for people.
Alternatively pet owners can gently rub a few drops of Bach’s 5-Flower Rescue Remedy directly onto your pet’s pressure points which include the hairless areas of your pet’s inner ear and/or groin.
What if my pet gets an upset stomach and/or indigestion while you’re on the road?
First, remember the general rule of thumb: no food or water for four to six hours after which time try brewing a pot of peppermint tea and enjoy a warm cup along with your pet. It will soothe your tummy as well as your pets. A cup of warm Chamomile tea is a tasty remedy to help calm nerves and relieve anxiety for you and your pet.
What natural alternatives are available to safely, tranquilize pets for traveling?
Melatonin is a safe, natural amino acid available over the counter that works wonderfully to calm and sedate pets. Dosage varies with body weight, and usually 1-2 milligrams works well for most dogs.
As opposed to prescription tranquilizers such as Ace Promazine that do affect blood pressure, Melatonin does not have any such adverse effects and is safe for older pets with for example canine or feline cardiovascular health issues involving the heart and lungs.
What resources are available to help pet owners plan their Pet New Year’s Get-A-Way?
Trips for pets.com, pet travel center, pets on the go are fabulous as is House Sitters of America. Toys for the Traveling Pet is a site that offers fun, interactive pet toys to enjoy while you and your pet are “on the road.”
All in all, making proper preparations well in advance, training your pet and give him lots of love and extra attention. You’ll both have a wonderful time.
In conclusion, traveling with pets is a great way to bond and you’ll both benefit from the special time that you’ll spend together. For those of you that are traveling singles, pets are a great social ice breaker. They help to spark up new conversations, so you can make new friends and meet new people.
.Fun, safe, and exciting holiday adventures to enjoy and explore for pets and their... more
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Sprucing up Fido for the upcoming New Years Holiday makes your dog feel good, helps to keep your dog’s skin and hair coat healthy, eliminates mats and tangles so your dogs hair coat will insulate and protect him or her from the cold weather and gives pet owners a chance to check for canine lumps and bumps.Sprucing up Fido for the upcoming New Years Holiday makes your dog feel good, helps to... more
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Kroger’s Pet Food Recalled in 19 states because of contamination with a Cancer-Causing Fungal Toxin referred to as “Aflatoxin” that can cause Pet Liver Failure in Dogs and Cats.
The FDA has issued yet another new pet food recall affecting 2 brands of dog food and 4 lines of cat food sold at Kroger’s Supermarkets in over 19 states.
Pet Pride Cat Food and Old Yeller Dog Food are two of Kroger’s recalled pet food lines that are contaminated with the fungal toxin called Aflatoxin.
Aflatoxin, is a potent cancer-causing fungal toxin that can lead to pet liver failure if ingested and may be fatal in dogs and cats left untreated.
Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic toxin produced from the growth of a fungus called Aspergillus flavus.
Aflatoxin, is a potent cancer causing fungal toxin that can lead to pet liver failure if ingested and may be fatal in dogs and cats left untreated. Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic toxin produced from the growth of a fungus called Aspergillus flavus.
Aspergillus fungi are commonly found growing for example on corn and a variety of other cereal grains and crops.
The development and severity of toxic pet signs varies with the amount of the recalled food ingested and your dog and/or cats individual susceptibility to this fungal toxin.
If your dog or cat show any signs of pet liver failure, including sluggishness or lethargy, lack of appetite, jaundice or a yellowish tint to your pets eyes and/or gums, vomiting and severe diarrhea with or without blood, please see your veterinarian ASAP.
Kroger stores included in this pet food recall involve the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
This pet food recall also includes Dillon’s and Grebes’ stores located in Kansas and Missouri; Baker’s stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana.
Pet owners who have purchased any of the recalled pet foods should not feed them to their dogs or cats. Recalled pet food products may be returned for a refund or replacement.
Pet owners may contact Kroger toll-free at 1-800-632-6900 or visit Kroger’s web site.
Further Kroger Pet Food Recall information and details are available
at the Federal Drug Administration’s web site.
Below is a list of the current Kroger Recalled Pet Foods:
* Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088128
* Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071357
* Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088152
* Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074580
* Pet Pride Kitten Formula Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071903
* Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 22 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074566
* Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074563
* Kroger Value Cat Food sold in 3 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111000018
* Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 15 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071559
* Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code:1111000108
Holistic veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM is available for pet health care consultations and pet health questions. Call Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your pet.Kroger’s Pet Food Recalled in 19 states because of contamination with a... more
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Pets love to romping in the snow and many dogs enjoy winter’s wonders along with their people.
What are some of the pet dangers dog owners should be aware of during cold weather spells?
Brush up on your Pet Frostbite IQ this season with holistic veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., whose tips are presented in Dog Fancy Magazine: December, 2010 Issue.
Page 20; written by Denise Fleck.
Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest news, tips and pet anti-aging longevity updates for your dogs and cats.
Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health care consultations and pet health care questions.
Call Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765
to make an appointment for your dogs and/or cats.Pets love to romping in the snow and many dogs enjoy winter’s wonders along with... more
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Each year as the seasons change, outdoor temperatures drop and the snow starts to fly, it’s a good time for pet owners to refresh their Wintertime Pet Health Quotient (HQ) so their dogs and cats can all enjoy the slopes and season safely.
Antifreeze, in which Ethylene Glycol, is the active ingredient is deadly for pets! Antifreeze smells good and apparently is also quite tasty to many dogs and cats. A tablespoon of antifreeze is all that’s needed to kill a ten pound dog. A single teaspoon of antifreeze often ends with fatal results for cats.
• Propylene glycol, the active ingredient in a type of antifreeze called “Sierra” is a less toxic to pets if ingested and works just as well as ethylene glycol for your car.
• Be sure to keep your pets out of the area you’re in when you change and/or drain antifreeze from your vehicles.
• Remember car radiators also contain anti-freeze, so be sure your radiator is not leaking.
• Antifreeze spills must be thoroughly cleaned up and immediately eliminated from any and all areas your pets may encounter.
• Store antifreeze in tightly closed containers, kept high up out of paw reach in secured cabinets.
• Dogs and cats suspected of consuming anti-freeze, need to be taken to the vet or nearest veterinary emergency facility ASAP! Pet antifreeze consumption is a true life or death emergency!
• Time to save dogs and cats in antifreeze cases is critical! After 2-3 hours of consumption, irreversible and simultaneous pet liver and kidney failure occur, which in the vast majority of cases is lethal. Calling your vet or a local veterinary emergency facility while you’re on the way is very helpful. If possible bring along the label.
• Ice Melting Products including Rock salt and De-icing chemicals are irritating to your pets skin, mouth, paws and foot pads. Spritzing your pets feet off with warm water and patting them dry once indoors helps to eliminate this issue. Excess drooling, depression and vomiting are signs that your dog and/or cat may have ingested these products.
• Rat and Mouse baits which are often more popular in cold, rather than warm weather. They are another favorite for many pets, especially dogs. be sure to place rodent baits in areas inaccessible to your dogs and cats. Peanut butter which is used in many baits smells good and just like antifreeze is tasty to pets.
If you suspect your pet has eaten a bit of rodent bait, get your pet to the vet quickly. Saving bait labels and bringing them with you helps your veterinarian to administer proper therapy and can be a pet life saver. Vitamin K therapy is generally used for therapy and most pets recover without any permanent or long term, adverse health consequences.
• Feed your pet a little extra when it’s cold. Pets need extra calories to produce energy during cold weather.
• Plenty of fresh water is essential during cold weather to avoid pet dehydration. Warm up the water and add a little honey or a bouillon cube to encourage your pet to drink. Chicken noodle soup is great and most pets enjoy a bowl every now and then. Snow is not an acceptable substitute for water.
• Bring your pets inside when it’s very cold. If your dog or cat spends a lot of time outside, be sure to provide proper shelter with food, water, bedding and a wind flap.
• Groom your dog and cat regularly to remove mats. This helps your pets hair coat to properly insulate your pet so that he or she can stay warm during cold weather spells.
• Frost bite risk areas for pets include the ears, the nose, the tip of the tail and ears.
Frostbitten area of pet skin initially turn a reddish color which later fades to gray. Treating Pet Frostbite involves giving your dog and/or cat a warm bath and gently wrapping them up in warm towels. Offering your pet something warm and nourishing to drink is also helpful while you wait to hear back from your vet.
Having a thermometer on hand allows pet owners to monitor their pets condition and this information is also useful for your vet. Pet temperatures may range from 99-103, rectal temperatures in dogs and cats less than 96 degrees Fahrenheit are generally incompatible with life. Finally, remember not to rub frostbitten pet skin areas, as that makes it worse!
• Heat lights and pet heating pads must be monitored closely as many can get too warm too fast, resulting in pet skin burns in dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.
• Car engines are a favorite for many outdoor cats who enjoy curling up for the evening near warm car engines. Before starting your car this winter, take a quick look under your hood and/or honk your horn, just to be sure no unexpected feline automobile friends decided to spend the night with you.
• Frozen lakes, rivers and ponds can be quite hazardous for adventurous wintertime dogs who can easily slip and fall in frozen water. Not all dogs can swim.
• Visit your Vet to be sure your dogs and cats are healthy! Pets, like people are more susceptible to health issues in cold weather. Pets that are very young, very old, pregnant or convalescing are especially vulnerable.
Lots of Love and extra attention helps pets enjoy the holiday season. It also helps so that your dogs and cats don’t feel forgotten and/or left out of all the festivities. Let your pet get into the gift of giving this holiday season by making a donation of food, litter, or toys to your local animal shelter or favorite pet charity and put it in your pet’s name.
Be prepared this winter and remember the Best Pet Gift of all is your LOVE!
Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, information and anti-aging updates for your dogs and cats.
Holistic veterinarian and pet researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available by e-mail at drcarol@drcarol.com. To make an appointment for your dog or cat, for pet health questions and/or pet health consultations, contact Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765.Each year as the seasons change, outdoor temperatures drop and the snow starts to fly,... more
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One in four dogs will get cancer at some time in their lives. Lymphoma, also called lymphosarcoma, which is abbreviated as LSA, is one of the most common cancers in dogs, accounting for about 20% of all canine malignant forms of cancer. It is a disease of the lymph nodes and lymphocytes and can be found throughout the dog’s body.
Lymphoma is most common in dogs from middle age onwards, although it can develop at any age. Males and females are affected to the same extent, but certain breeds are more prone than others. Predisposed breeds include Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Westies. There is a strong familial, or congenital, link for lymphoma.
In most cases, a dog with lymphoma will show very few signs. In addition, because lymphoma is a diverse disease, there are wide ranges of symptoms, which can make initial diagnosis difficult. The most common presentation is the appearance of swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, lymphoma patients will usually succumb to the disease within about 4 weeks from diagnosis. However, lymphoma is very responsive to treatment with modern chemotherapy. Once diagnosed, lymphoma can be very responsive to treatment, and 80% of dogs with the disease may go into remission.
This author has worked with many dogs diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer and reports that with natural supplements, and an anti-cancer diet, her patients have enjoyed quality life for an average of 2 years post diagnosis. She has used this regime successfully for cases with and without chemotherapy for lymphoma.
In many lymphoma cases that present with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes, a biopsy or aspirate of the suspect node can be taken. However, with the more generalised symptoms associated with internal lymph node involvement, other procedures will also be necessary. Complete blood count, blood chemistries, a urinalysis and x-rays, or an ultrasound may be necessary for diagnosis.
A new blood test from Pet Screen has been developed that can detect lymphoma from 1milliliter of a dog’s blood. The test employs the latest “multiple biomarker” technology developed for human cancer detection. This technology provides a greater level of accuracy than previous single marker cancer tests, such as the PSA test for prostate cancer in men. Compared to other diagnostics, the Pet Screen blood test is low cost, minimally invasive and does not require sedation of the pet. If the test results are positive, the veterinarian will be well placed to begin a series of additional tests to determine the extent of the disease and to plan the course of treatment. Time is the key in all successful cancer treatments.
For more information, talk to your family veterinarian, or go to www.pet-screen.com.
Visit www.carolonpets.com for more information on your pet’s health care. Dr. Carol Osborne is available for consultation. To make an appointment with Dr. Osborne call toll free 1-866-372-2765One in four dogs will get cancer at some time in their lives. Lymphoma, also called... more
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