Newsletter

"Why does my dog or cat eat grass?" Pet owners often ask this question, and are surprised to find that there is no clear answer. It's a mystery even to veterinarians and researchers. This is especially puzzling for owners of the carnivorous cat. Most dog and cat owners report that their pets eat grass or other plant material on a daily or weekly basis, and some report that the pet vomits afterward. There is a common belief that pets eat grass because they are ill and need to vomit.

This hypothesis does not hold true, according to a recent web-based survey of 3,000 pet owners. Only a small percentage of pet owners reported signs of illness before or after their pets ate grass. In fact, less than one in four reported that their pets vomited afterward. Younger dogs were more likely to eat grass than older dogs, and were more likely to get sick afterward. But, grass-eating does appear to be a normal behavior unrelated to illness.

Another hypothesis is that eating grass provides nutritional value the pet is not getting in its daily diet. Pet owners who serve their dogs and cats specialized diets and those who serve table scraps or non-prescription dry or canned foods all reported grass-eating behavior. Nutritional deficiency does not appear to be a reason that pets eat grass. There is no evidence that pets that eat less fiber are prone to eating plants, either.

Veterinarians now believe that grass-eating is a normal behavior unrelated to illness or nutritional deficiency. It is more likely an instinctual activity passed down from dog and cat ancestors in the wild that suffered far more than today's pets with intestinal parasites. Eating grass and plant material helps to purge the animals' intestinal tracts. The theory is that the plant material passes through the intestinal tract and wraps around worms (nematodes), thus expelling them in the feces. The reason younger animals eat more grass is that they are less immune to parasites.

The conclusion is that more study is needed, but it is likely that grass-eating is perfectly normal and typical in healthy pets. If the pet exhibits signs of illness before or after eating grass, and vomiting persists, a medical exam is in order. Otherwise, if pets run outside and put their noses in the lawn, they are simply exhibiting instinctual behavior passed down from wild ancestors. So, let them eat grass.

Pets help lower blood pressure: A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those who did not own a pet (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo).

Pets help reduce stress: Walking with a pet helps to soothe nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom).

Pets help prevent heart disease: Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets).

Pets help lower health care costs: People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets).

Pets help fight depression: Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship).

Dental care is vital to your pet's health! If you've already established a dental care program for your pet, you're off to a great start. But if your pet hasn't received a dental exam from your veterinarian, it's time to get started. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, the perfect time to schedule a dental exam for your pet and develop a home care regimen for your best friend.

Why is dental care so important for your pet? Periodontal disease is the number one diagnosed problem in pets - by the age of two, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have periodontal disease in one form or another. The buildup of plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth leads to bacterial infections that can enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of your pet's body. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, osteoporosis and other problems.

The good news is that periodontal disease is easily prevented. Routine dental cleanings and a home dental care regimen can eliminate the plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease and oral infections. During a dental cleaning, your veterinarian also performs a complete oral examination of your pet. This includes screening for oral cancer, broken teeth and cavities. Spotting these problems early on makes them easier to treat and improves your pet's overall oral health.

Your pet's dental cleaning is more involved than the same process you go through at the dentist's office. Anesthesia is required to keep your pet still and comfortable during the procedure. Because of this, your pet undergoes a thorough physical examination before each dental cleaning. Laboratory blood tests, as well as other diagnostic procedures are also used to screen for potential problems and risks before anesthesia is administered. Using these results, we develop a safe anesthetic protocol specifically for your pet.

During a dental cleaning, tartar is removed from your pet's teeth with a hand scaler. Next, a periodontal probe is used to check for pockets under the gumline - where periodontal disease and bad breath start. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline and a curette is used to clean and smooth the teeth under the gumline and in the crevices. Finally, the teeth are polished and an anti-bacterial solution is used to help delay future tartar build-up.

Dental care doesn't end in your veterinarian's office. Brushing your pet's teeth at home is an added level of protection against gum disease. In order to be most effective, brushing must be done at least three times a week; however, daily brushing is ideal. Brushing your pet's teeth can be supplemented with antiseptic rinses. Some pet foods and treats are also effective in preventing plaque and tartar buildup. However, there is no substitute for regular brushing and professional dental cleanings.

Schedule a dental examination and cleaning for your pet today. Your best friend will thank you!

As the daylight hours increase or decrease (during the fall and spring) pet ferrets naturally begin shedding their fur. Like cats, these sleek little animals spend quite a bit of time grooming themselves, thus ingesting quite a bit of their own fur.

Due to the ingestion of fur, hairballs can be a significant problem for pet ferrets, even to the point of being fatal. The ingested fur can accumulate in the animal's intestine causing intestinal impaction and blockage. Symptoms of a blocked intestine include lack of bowel movements, decreased activity, lack of appetite and vomiting.

Since ferrets enjoy grooming themselves, it's important to be aware of the potential for hairballs. By regularly administering a laxative, hairballs can be prevented. There are several brands of petroleum-based laxatives considered safe for ferrets, including Ferret-lax, Laxatone and Cat lax. Usually the little furry animal enjoys the taste, so the laxative can be licked off a finger, a spoon or directly from the tube. During shedding season, a little bit should be given every day. Outside shedding season, the laxative should be administered weekly.

Dog owners are well aware of the threat of heartworm disease, but many pet owners would be shocked to know that their cats are in danger as well. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and are capable of infecting cats in addition to dogs. Unfortunately, our cats rarely show physical signs of this infection and are more likely to die due to their body’s reaction to the parasite. The good news is that your veterinarian can help you prevent this deadly feline disease.

Cats are abnormal hosts to heartworms and these heartworms will live shortened lives. You might think that this is a good thing but, heartworms actually can cause more serious and severe disease in cats than they do in dogs. It is not unusual for a dog to live for years with 50 worms in their heart. But a cat with a single heartworm can die suddenly, often with no apparent clinical signs whatsoever. In addition, your “inside only” kitty is just as susceptible as the outdoor tomcat. Watch this video to learn more.

Seeing your pet sick is hard enough, but what happens if your veterinarian seems to be stumped as well? Increasingly, veterinarians and pet owners are turning to the skills and special talents of the veterinary specialist. More than 25 different specialties are available, helping pets with everything from cancer to broken legs. In fact, there are more than 8,000 veterinary specialists across the US providing rare treatment and diagnostic abilities. Watch this video to learn more.

Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) is also known as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) and Feline Idiopathic Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FiLUTD).

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), or feline urologic syndrome (FUS), is a very common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (e.g. blood in the urine, straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination) in cats.

FIC is characterized by a group of symptoms which can appear individually or in combination. Four of the most common symptoms include cystitis (inflammation of the lining of the urinary bladder), lower urinary tract infection, blockage (debris and crystals forming a plug that obstructs the urethra of male cats), and uremia (accumulation of poisonous wastes in the cat's bloodstream).

FIC affects male and female cats of all ages. Both male and female cats can develop sand-like crystals and stones. These crystals and/or stones may form a plug that obstructs the urethra of male cats. This plug or obstruction is a medical emergency, as urine cannot pass from the bladder through the urethra to the exterior. If the cat is unable to urinate, toxins accumulate in the bloodstream causing uremia - a deadly condition. Female cats rarely develop urinary tract obstruction due to their shorter and wider urethra.

Several factors have been identified as playing key roles in the development of FIC. Some of these factors include viruses, food, stress, lack of exercise and genetics.

Regardless of the cause, there are common symptoms associated with FIC. These symptoms include:

• Hematuria: blood in the urine
• Pollakiuria: increased frequency of urination
• Dysuria: straining to urinate
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Distressed sounds while urinating
• Increased grooming of the genital area

Male cats sometimes develop urinary obstruction and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. This is a major medical emergency. Urinary obstruction that lasts longer than 24–48 hours is life threatening. The initial symptoms are often mistaken for constipation. Eventually, these cats become lethargic, loose their appetite, and make frequent and painful attempts to urinate.

Veterinary evaluation of a cat with symptoms of FIC include a thorough physical examination, abdominal palpation (feeling for an enlarged bladder), and medical history. The medical history includes questions regarding food, eating and drinking habits, as well as the personality and disposition of the cat.

Specific tests may be necessary in order to diagnose FIC and other urinary tract conditions. A urinalysis is routinely performed. Along with a routine urinalysis, a urine bacterial culture and sensitivity may be recommended. Abdominal x-rays and/or abdominal ultrasound may be needed to evaluate for stones (calculi) and/or tumors. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry tests are needed to evaluate the cat's general health, particularly if urinary obstruction is present and uremia is suspected.

The treatment for FIC is somewhat complex. Depending upon the cat's physical condition, hospitalization may be necessary. Fluid therapy is important for dehydrated animals. The fluid also causes production of dilute urine, aiding the elimination of inflammatory debris and crystals. Antibiotics are generally administered, even though there is no evidence that FIC is a bacterial disease. Additional medications—tranquilizers, anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics (pain killers)—are often administered when deemed necessary. Since the actual causes of FIC are still unknown, this leads to difficulties in treatment procedures.

Prevention is the key to controlling FIC in cats. A combination of home care plus veterinary exams should minimize the occurrence of FIC in pets that are predisposed.

Here are some preventive considerations that are based on current knowledge:

• Regular veterinary exams combined with urine analysis
• Provide plenty of fresh clean water. Change the water twice a day.
• Provide a food that your veterinarian recommends.
• Keep the litter box clean. Clean it often and make sure it is in an unobstructed area.
• Minimize stress to your cat by maintaining a stable environment. Do not introduce any new animals or make major changes in the home.
• Provide toys, scratching posts and other items that can keep your cat active and amused.
• Do not allow your cat to become obese or overweight.

An exercise partner makes hitting the gym and staying active fun, and a new study by the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine found that your dog may be the best exercise partner of all!

The study found that people who walk dogs exercise more consistently and show more improvement than people who walk with a human exercise partner. The study, conducted by the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, focused on 54 older adults at an assisted living home. Of the participants, 35 were asked to walk five days a week for 12 weeks (the remaining 19 functioned as a control group). Among the walkers, 23 elected to walk with a friend or spouse; the other 12 partnered with a dog from a local animal shelter for the daily walks.

According to the researchers, those walking with dogs exercised more consistently than walkers with human partners. Rebecca A. Johnson, the director of the research institute, said that human partners often discouraged each other from exercise. However, the prospect of walking with a dog encouraged the other participants in the study to walk each day, she said.

Dog walkers also showed improvement in their physical mobility: the study found that walking speed among dog walkers increased by 28 percent, while walking speed among human walkers increased only by 4 percent. According to Johnson, by the end of the study, dog-walkers also were able to rely less on canes and walkers to help them get around.

A previous study conducted by ReCHAI found that when people are responsible for walking a dog, they exercise more and lose more weight - one ReCHAI study group lost an average of 14 pounds in one year, according to Johnson.

With obesity rates on the rise for both people and pets, regular exercise benefits both you and your canine companion. If you need to shed a few extra pounds, or simply need a nudge to get outside and be active, look to your dog for help. After all, he or she will never say no to a walk!