We are often posed the question, "What kind of treat is good for my dog?'. Many of the commercially made dog biscuits, jerkies, etc.. have sugar, artificial colors and preservatives that are not good choices for your pet.
Here is an informative video on some of the common household items that can be toxic to your pet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNPax847Kmw
When the weather warms up in Central Oregon the topic of ticks seems to surface if you're a dog owner.
Animal neglect has been an issue in Central Oregon this month. It's an unfortunate reminder that many domesticated animals in the care of humans are not having their basic needs for a healthy life met. Of course nutrition is vital, but many other needs need to be met.
The presence of bad breath in your dog or cat is known in the veterinary field as "halitosis". Periodontal disease is the most common cause of halitosis. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President Dr. Mike Topper recommends dental exams to not only assess your pet's oral health but this can also hep prevent more serious health conditions. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening.
AVMA recommends, "While regular dental checkups are essential to help maintain your pet's dental health, there are a number of signs that dental disease has already started. If you notice any of the symptoms below, take your pet in to your veterinarian immediately":
The J.M. Smucker Company has initiated a recall of certain canned dog food products from its Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy brands due to the potential for pentobarbital contamination. The firm is withdrawing all lots of these products that were manufactured from 2016 through the present. The FDA is issuing this notice in order to make pet owners aware of the firm’s action.
The withdrawn products were distributed to retailers nationwide.
The list of withdrawn products the firm provided to the FDA include:
Pentobarbital is a barbiturate drug that is most commonly used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic, or for euthanasia. The FDA’s preliminary evaluation of the testing results of Gravy Train samples indicates that the low level of pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is unlikely to pose a health risk to pets. However, any detection of pentobarbital in pet food is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act—simply put, pentobarbital should not be in pet food. The FDA is investigating to learn the potential source and route of the contamination.
Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death. However, pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is at a low level unlikely to pose a health risk to pets.
Consumers should not feed their pets the withdrawn lots of J.M. Smucker pet food. Consumers who purchased these products should safely dispose of the cans and/or contact the firm for information about returning the product.
Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus—a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia.
If you have questions about your dog's risk, call High Desert Veterinary 541-382-9262
Canine Influenza Update: The H3N2 Canine Influenza virus has spread to Reno, Nevada. There is now 1 documented case in Grants Pass, Oregon of a dog that had been in Reno. Remember, if you are traveling to California or to the eastern states we recommend getting your dog vaccinated. To be protected against this virus your dog will need an initial shot, followed 2-4 weeks later by a booster. 1 week after the booster shot your dog will be protected for 1 year.
