Your Dog Has Diabetes

Diabetes regimen includes a special diet and insulin twice a day

Diabetes Awareness Month “Your Dog Has Diabetes” –

These were not the words I ever thought would come…with a great amount of relief. But, I thought my dog was dying and we had spent the weekend preparing the kids for the worst. Our mid-sized dog suddenly dropped her weight nearly in half. She had been losing weight, but we thought this was a positive result from a change to a healthier diet.

However, she took a turn for the worse and we ended up at TLC, with a dog who had lost 38 pounds.

Two signs stood out in retrospect:

  1. She was drinking a ton of water. (We originally thought that was the food too.)
  2. She became incontinent. She has always been a good dog. She was unable to process all that water and was having accidents every other day.

If your dog is seven or eight and you are not sure you have been feeding them the best food, you should be aware of the signs of diabetes. If you have a breed that is more susceptible, you should be on the watch for signs.

You may want to look into a improving the diet of your aging pets. We have always been healthy eaters ourselves but we didn’t pay a lot of attention to the dog’s diet. And we were guilty of giving them way too many fatty table treats and have found out that many of the store treats were full of sugars.

Just like humans, diet matters to your pet’s health. If you want to improve the overall health of your pet, diet and exercise have to be addressed. Otherwise, you may be looking at our new situation. A by the clock eating schedule of low carb food, followed by an injection of insulin. Twice a day. She is doing great, and actually has looked better for a couple years. We only wish we’d seen the signs sooner.

She had grown so weak that she couldn’t stand  and was so thirsty that she just lay by her water bowl.

World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day

It’s World Rabies Day –

While rabies is a 100% preventable disease, more than 59,000 people die from the disease around the world each year. World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on our efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over. CDC on Rabies

At TLC Pet Hospital we want to remind you to keep up with your Rabies vaccinations for your pets. This is a requirement of the City of Albuquerque in order to license your pet in the city limits, but it is also important for the health of your pet. No one wants to risk rabies in their pet. Wild animals including squirrels, bats and raccoons can be carriers that can spread the disease to your animals. Rabies infections can lead to death for both pets and humans, so do your part and keep up with your pet’s vaccinations.

Fireworks Friendly

Don’t forget to find a safe and quiet place for your pets, especially if they get nervous around fireworks. Be aware of the presence of pets at all times if you are shooting off fireworks.

Hot Pavement, No Dogs Allowed

Hot Pavement doesn't require hot temperatures

Hot Pavement Doesn’t Require Hot Temperatures

Don’t go out for walks once it gets past 80 degrees. Especially on dark pavement, but gravel trails get just as hot under the New Mexico sun.

Make sure that you have plenty of water for you and your pet. Continue reading

Lyme Disease Prevention Month

It is Lyme Disease Awareness and Prevention

Lyme Disease can have serious negative effects in animals and humans. Long term effects include neurological damage. Here is the link to a fact sheet and crossword puzzle for the kids:

Crossword Puzzle

“Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks.”

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/

Tips for Dog Owners for Fear Free Veterinary Care

Preparing your pet for their visit to the Vet

Tips for Dog Owners

  1. aging-dog-and-what-to-doWe recommend purchasing a harness or fixed length leash. This allows more control during what can be a somewhat anxious visit.
  2. Condition them early to enjoy car rides. Start with short drives around the neighborhood. Feed treats and make the experience happy and positive. Add more and more time as they get used to it. If they ever get anxious, stop and try again another day.
  3. On the day of your visit, if their appointment is in the morning, don’t feed them breakfast, and if your appointment is in the afternoon, only feed a small breakfast. If hungry, your dog will respond better to food rewards at the veterinary hospital. Dogs experience similar endorphin release when eating, like people! Does not apply to diabetic dogs.
  4. Bring in their favorite treat, kibble or toy. You are the best at knowing what your dogs go crazy over!
  5. Avoid loud music on the ride over and on the way home. Instead play calming, classical music to decrease anxiety.
  6. Speak in a low calm voice. High pitched praise or reaffirmation often increases anxiety.
  7. If you have an anxious dog, leave them in the car when you arrive and check in with the receptionist. They will advise you when an exam room is available. You can wait in your car, take a walk or sit outside on our bench. Limiting time in the waiting room creates a calmer visit.
  8. If you believe your dog would benefit from an anti-anxiety medication or a natural soothing supplement, please let us know as you arrive.

    We hope this helps lessen stress for you and your pet.

we practice fear free veterinary medicine

 

You Should Never Feed Your Pets…

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine: These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds. Methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Darker chocolate and baking chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.Continue reading

Keep the Treats Away From Doggies

Halloween candy tips for dogs

Treats, Wrappers and Especially CHOCOLATE need to stay out of dog’s reach to help avoid tummy trouble or an emergency visit to the Vet!

A Quiet Place

If your dog gets anxious around a lot of activity, find a safe quiet place for your pet to be. Soft music and low light can help calm your pet. Make sure they have their toys and blanket.

A Safe Distance

To keep dogs and cats out of trouble, keep them away from the front door either by getting them out of the way or even using a baby/doggie gate to keep them away from trick or treaters. It’s also a good idea to keep cats inside during Halloween, lest they be caught up in mischief.

World Rabies Day 9-28-19

World Rabies Day

While rabies is a 100% preventable disease, more than 59,000 people die from the disease around the world each year. World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on our efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over.

cdc.gov/worldrabiesday/

We want to let you know that if you have questions about rabies, its affects and treatments, you can consult your veterinarians here at TLC Pet Hospital. Rabies is a serious disease, only animals who have been vaccinated prior to exposure are treatable. Unvaccinated animals are euthanized.

Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets that are currently vaccinated with a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner’s control, and observed for 45 days. If the animal under observation develops any signs of illness, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

CDC – Caring for animals with exposure