Month: September 2023

Rabies: What is it and How to Protect Pets

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date September 28, 2023

rabies virus, rabies disease in animals, pet salon near me

Rabies is a viral disease of the nervous system that causes deadly brain inflammation, 3d illustration of Rabies virus infection

Rabies is a deadly disease for pets, and it is guaranteed to kill dogs and cats who contract it. The disease is also deadly when spread from animals to humans, with an estimated 59,000 human deaths globally each year. With no cure for pets with the rabies virus, it’s extremely important to learn how to prevent animals from contracting rabies.

This blog covers how animals contract rabies, how the virus spreads through the body, and the symptoms of a rabies infection in pets. Most importantly, we’ll go over how to prevent your pet from contracting the deadly disease through rabies vaccinations for both dogs and cats.

What is the Rabies Virus?

Rabies is a preventable but deadly virus. This viral zoonotic disease attacks the central nervous system of mammals, causing inflammation of the spinal cord and brain. There are two forms of the rabies virus. The first is furious rabies which is characterized by hallucinations and hyperactivity. The second form is paralytic rabies which is characterized by paralysis and coma.

The transmission of this disease happens by direct contact. Open wounds get exposed to the saliva of the rabies-infected mammal. The majority of cases are caused by a bite from a rabid animal, though some have reported the virus spread from being scratched. Wild animals that are common for contracting and transmitting rabies are bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes.

Symptoms of the Rabies Virus in Pets

Signs of Rabies in Dogs

When a dog has been exposed to the rabies virus, the disease goes through an incubation period. During this time the infection makes its way through the body’s nerves to the brain and spinal cord. This journey can take anywhere between two weeks to four months. How long the incubation period lasts before clinical signs appear depends on three things. The first is the location of the bite or scratch on the body of the mammal. If the site of the infection is close to the brain and spinal cord, then the virus reaches the nervous tissue very quickly. The second is the severity of the bite. The third factor is the amount of infected saliva transferred into the non rabid animal.

The first symptom of the rabies virus to appear is a change in temperament. An infected dog becomes more shy, aggressive, energetic or tired. These changes continue for two to three days. More severe symptoms begin to emerge after the prodromal phase or first phase when rabies reaches the dog’s brain and multiplies rapidly. This is when the rabies virus enters the salivary glands. The signs that the virus has fully settled in are disorientation, seizures, difficulty breathing, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, self-mutilation, major aggression, voracious appetite, loss of full control of bodily movements, paralysis and weakness.

A dog can only live seven days to two weeks after first showing symptoms of rabies. The disease eventually causes severe paralysis, violent seizures and coma. Death quickly follows afterwards. There is no treatment for a dog with rabies and the virus is 100% fatal once any signs appear.

Signs of Rabies in Cats

Cats can contract the rabies virus the same way dogs do by being bitten by an infected animal. A feline’s incubation period is shorter than a canine’s incubation period. The disease usually takes three to eight weeks to travel from the site of the infection to the brain and spinal cord.

The prodromal stage lasts from 12 to 48 hours. The cat changes their normal personality to the exact opposite. A quiet cat becomes crabby and violent while a social cat becomes introverted and has high anxiety. The symptoms to appear after rabies has settled into the feline’s brain and spinal cord are weakness, paralysis of the legs, difficulty breathing, hypersalivation due to difficulty swallowing, seizures, extreme depression and extreme aggression. The last stage for a cat with the rabies virus is the paralytic stage. After around seven days of symptoms the animal goes into comatose and dies.

The majority of cats do not last more than 10 days after the first symptoms emerge. There is no treatment for a cat with rabies. This disease is 100% fatal.

Prevention of the Rabies Virus

Rabies Vaccine for Dogs and Cats

Since 1885, the introduction of the rabies vaccination for cats and dogs has helped to significantly decrease the amount of cases that appear in the United States. The CDC reports that only around 250 cats and 60-70 dogs are infected with rabies each year. The vaccination now has become mandatory for every pet.

The rabies vaccine is the only way to prevent your pet from being at high risk for contracting the disease. Veterinarians encourage pet owners to bring their puppies in at 16 weeks old to get their first rabies shot. This is followed by a booster shot a year later, and then the dog receives the rabies shot every three years after that. Kittens should be brought to the vet for their first rabies shot at 12-16 weeks old. A cat then receives their rabies vaccine every three years.

Read this blog to learn more about the core vaccines necessary for puppies and kittens.

Side Effects of Rabies Shot for Dogs and Cats

All vaccines have side effects. For dogs, the rabies shot can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, swelling, soreness or hives. The side effects happen within an hour of the animal getting their vaccination, and the symptoms typically go away after one to two days. Negative reactions to a rabies shot are very rare for cats. If the symptoms continue or get more severe, speak to your vet immediately and bring your pet to an emergency animal clinic.

The Deadly Disease of Rabies

The rabies virus cannot be diagnosed on a living animal. A cat or dog can only be confirmed to have the virus by direct examination of the brain. This is why it is very important to know the symptoms of an animal infected with rabies.

Keep your cat or dog safe from being susceptible to this virus by staying up to date on their rabies vaccination. Without a rabies shot and its boosters, a pet has no defense against this deadly disease.

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Training and Caring for Deaf Dogs

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date September 25, 2023

deaf dog, can deaf dogs have happy lives

When someone hears that a dog is deaf the immediate reaction is to feel sorry for both the pet and the owner. Training and caring for a deaf animal can seem difficult and challenging. Both assumptions have been proven to not be entirely true. With specific training and the right knowledge, owning a deaf dog can be a rewarding experience.

This blog discusses the types of dogs prone to deafness, the signs that a dog is deaf, how to care for a deaf dog and how to train a deaf dog.

Dogs Prone to Deafness

Dog breeds that have a higher chance of developing congenital deafness are Dalmatian, bull terrier, English setter, Jack Russel terrier, Australian cattle dog, English cocker spaniel, German Shepherd, West Highland white terrier, Maltese and toy poodle. Congenital means a genetically inherited medical condition shows up within the first few weeks of a puppy’s life.

Studies reveal pigment cells called melanocytes have a strong connection between the color of a dog’s coat and deafness. The four coat types are piebald, merle, roan and white. Piebald is a mostly white coat with a few colored patches or markings. Merle is a desaturated coat color, and roan is a coat with white or gray hairs sprinkled all throughout the hair. Certain genes that create white have been found to do so by suppressing these pigment cells.

The chances of deafness rise even higher if a canine has one of the four coat types and either blue eyes or two differently colored eyes. The hearing loss is permanent and can affect only one ear or both. This research article explains in-depth the science behind the connection between melanocytes and deafness in dogs.

Signs a Dog is Deaf

A brand new eight week old puppy is not trained nor does he or she know their new name. These factors make it hard for an owner to know if their puppy has hearing loss. Test to see if the young dog has deafness in one or both ears by grabbing a squeaky toy. When the puppy is not looking directly at the toy, squeeze it multiple times. If the canine does not look in its direction, then there can be suspected deafness.

Other signs to tell if a dog is deaf are it never hears its name being called, their eyes do not turn towards any sound, they are easily frightened, they’re difficult to wake up from their sleep, and they bark excessively. If you are suspicious your dog has lost their hearing, take them to the vet to have it properly tested.

How to Care for a Deaf Dog

How to Keep a Deaf Dog Safe

A dog with deafness cannot hear danger in the house or out in the world. Protect your pooch by never letting them be outside by themselves unless they are securely fenced in the yard. Keep them on a leash when taking them out on walks. Put a bell on the dog’s collar to be able to hear where they are in the house.

Tags for Deaf Dog

Purchase a tag and keep the owner’s information up to date. Have the tag state that the dog is deaf. If the canine ever goes missing, then a good samaritan or animal control knows what to expect when they try to help the lost pet.

Prevent a Deaf Dog from Getting Startled or Scared

Prevent the dog from getting startled by gently waking them up. Put your hand over their nose to have them smell your scent and gently touch their back. Always alert the dog when you are leaving the room or house by getting their attention and showing them you are exiting that space.

How to Provide Mental Stimulation for Deaf Dog

Provide enriching activities that involve the dog using their nose. Their other senses are heightened since they do not have the use of their ears. Allow the dog to sniff as much as they want to on walks, hide food or toys for them to sniff out, and find and do scent work with them.

How to Train a Deaf Dog

Getting a Deaf Dog’s Attention

Visual cues are the key to training a deaf dog. The first most important step in training is to teach your dog to focus on you. Provide reward through treats and praise whenever the puppy voluntarily looks at you. The goal is to show the dog that paying attention to their owner results in a positive experience.

The next step is to have a signal that says “watch me”. A flash of light or gentle touch in the same place every time are two good signals. Another option is vibration. Stomp your feet, pound the floor with your fist or use a vibration collar. These no-shock training collars are used as a cue and not a punishment. The collar sends a gentle vibration to the dog to alert them to pay attention to their owner. Some collars also have vibration patterns to use as specific command signals.

Luring, Shaping and Capturing Training

Luring is when the owner holds a treat to the dog’s nose to guide them in action and behavior. Shaping is a process that breaks up the desired action or behavior into smaller steps. Capturing happens when the canine can do the action or behavior without a treat or guidance from the owner. This way of training allows a deaf dog to have consistency in how they learn and allows them to go at a pace that suits them.

Hand Signals for Deaf Dogs

Hand signals take the place of verbal cues for deaf dogs. The key is to make sure that each hand signal is obvious and distinct from other non verbal cues. If the signs are too similar the dog may get confused. What the hand signals look like for each command can differ from owner to owner. There is no universal way to show sit, stay or come to deaf dogs. One option is to use human sign language. Dogs are able to learn up to 20 different sign language words.

Owning a Deaf Dog can Feel Normal

A deaf dog, particularly a deaf puppy, has its challenges. Training and caring for a canine that suffers from hearing loss is different than most pet owners have experienced. The process can seem daunting and time consuming, but this is not the case. Their quality of life can be the same as a full hearing dog. Deaf dogs are quick learners with consistent and positive training. After a bit of patience, having a deaf dog starts to feel like the new normal.

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Blogs Shelter Dogs

Adopting a Pet with Prior Aggression or Anxiety Issues

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date September 21, 2023

aggressive dog, anxiety dog, adopting from a shelter or rescue

A shelter or rescue pet can display different kinds of behaviors, with some being positive and others being negative. Aggression and anxiety are two behaviors that make potential dog owners hesitant in adopting. Though these types of canines may be a bit more work, they can become the best dogs with a little help and guidance.

This blog provides important information in understanding the reasons behind these behavioral issues and lists the types, signs and treatments of aggression and anxiety in dogs.

Reasons for Behavioral Issues

Many animals are born in puppy mills where genetic defects and personality disorders are not monitored and are passed down from generation to generation. These dogs are then purchased and oftentimes go to homes that are ill equipped at creating a consistently safe and loving environment.

Pets that end up in shelters or rescues are often the ones that have been mistreated. Common abuse towards animals includes physical, mental, emotional and neglect. Any of these forms of abuse can encourage an animal’s personality to one of aggression or anxiety.

The shelter life can add to the aggression and anxiety even with pets that come from a good home because of stress triggers. Transport, confinement in a new environment, strange smells, diet changes, irregular caregiving schedules, the absence of human contact can all stress an animal as they come to terms with being given up by their human family.

Dogs with Aggressive Behaviors

Types and Signs of Aggression in Dogs

There are different kinds of aggression in dogs. The types include predatory aggression, territorial aggression, leash aggression, containment aggression, pain or irritable aggression and conflict aggression. Speak with a shelter or rescue worker about what kind of aggression the dog has been displaying. Pay attention the first few days of adopting the pet to see if any other types of aggression appear. To learn more in depth about the types of aggression dogs can have, read this blog.

Despite the type of aggression, a dog uses body language to show that they are about to attack and get hostile. The signs to look for include a hard stare, growling, barking, snarling, stiffness, lunging, snapping, biting, teeth-baring, they barge through gates or doors before you, they block dog’s or other people’s paths or they put themselves between you and another person or dog. Take notes on who or what makes your dog hostile and the exact signs they display to help prevent any unsafe situations.

Treatment of Aggression in Dogs

There is hope for an aggressive dog to learn how to react to their triggers in a more productive and calm way. Behavioral modification with a qualified professional that uses positive reinforcement is considered one of the best ways to treat an aggressive dog. Positive reinforcement encourages the canine to choose a more constructive reaction to their triggers.

The training of “pairing” is when two things are connected through association. Pairing treats and praises with positive behavior towards aversive stimuli makes the presence of the stimuli less of a factor to the dog. They begin to associate their triggers with good things and become less likely to display any aggressive behavior.

Dogs with Anxiety Behaviors

Types and Sign of Anxiety in Dogs

The three main types of anxiety are fear-related anxiety, separation anxiety and age-related anxiety. A stressed out dog displays the behaviors and body language of pacing, barking or whining, yawning, panting, escape or hiding behavior, excessive drooling, shedding, tense muscles, tucked tail, ears flat, eyes widen, destroying items, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite. These symptoms show themselves within the first few days of having the new adopted pet in the home. Some of these signs are only short-term while others are constant. To learn more in depth about the signs of a stressed dog, read this blog.

Treatments of Anxiety in Dogs

To ease the stress of anxiety in dogs there are a few tricks to keep them calm. Different things to help a pet relax are exercise, physical contact, listening to classical music, wearing calming shirts and coats, engaging in mental stimulation and having hormone diffusers throughout the home. Try out these different tips to see which ones ease the dog’s nervous system.

For chronic anxiety the above tips may not be enough to calm a pet down. CBD oil and anxiety medication works with a dog’s nervous system to help them regulate their emotions in a controlled way. With balanced emotions a pet is able to react to their stress triggers in a less extreme way or give no reaction at all.

Relaxation training guides your dog in how they respond to stressful situations. Use positive reinforcement in a safe environment to teach a canine to self soothe and relax in the presence of one of their stress triggers. To learn more about relaxation training read this blog.

Patience is Key

Give your new adopted dog patience as they adjust to a new home. Many shelter and rescue dogs have not had the best life. Help them ease into accepting a loving and safe environment by allowing them a couple days to decompress, to learn to trust you and by providing a calm and comfy home.

An owner should take things slow as they write down notes on their new adopted dog’s body language in response to different situations. Once an owner knows the causes of aggression or anxiety they can make a plan. They would need to work with a qualified professional dog trainer and a veterinarian to guide and train the new pet to control their emotions and respond in a positive way to their triggers.

Dogs with aggressive and anxiety behaviors can learn to change how they respond to different people, animals and environments. There is hope that they can live happy and peaceful lives in their new loving homes.

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Blogs Shelter Dogs

How to Nurse a Malnourished Pet Back to Health

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date September 18, 2023

malnourished cat, malnourished dog, how to help a malnourished animal

A skinny and sick animal is often suffering from malnourishment. This condition is usually caused by neglect and mistreatment from the pet’s past owners. The road to recovery can take a while, but there are ways to help a deserving malnourished animal get back to top health.

This blog covers what malnourishment is, the signs, the causes, how to care for a malnourished pet and important support supplements to add to a malnourished pet’s daily nutrition.

What is Malnourishment in Pets?

Malnourishment happens when there is a deficiency of nutrients in the body. For different reasons, the animal is not able to get the proper nutrition from their diet. This causes an imbalance between the energy taken in and the energy expelled. The body is not able to function properly without the right amount of vitamins and minerals

The Signs of Malnourishment in Pets

Without the proper nutrients, the dog’s body starts to feed off the body fats and muscles tissues in order to receive the energy it needs. The result is rapid weight loss and bones being visible. Other signs of malnourishment in pets are dull coat, hair loss, skin issues, diarrhea, gas, lethargy, weakened immune system, bad breath and no interest in any activity.

Causes of Malnourishment in Pets

A low-quality diet and lack of food are two of the main causes of malnourishment. This can be intentional or unintentional. A well-meaning owner could be giving their dog pet food that lacks the proper nutrients or underfeeding the pet. Always look at the ingredients list on pet food and speak to your vet about the right amount of food to feed your pet daily.

Other causes of malnourishment in animals are parasites and health conditions. If a pet has a parasite, their body is unable to absorb any nutrients from the food they are eating. They may also show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, an expanded abdomen and weight loss. Visit your vet immediately if you see any of these signs.

Health conditions like intestinal tumors, intestinal cancer and irritable bowel disease can cause malnourishment in animals despite the pet having a nutrient dense diet. Their condition may be preventing them from eating or is flushing out the nutrients faster than the body can absorb them. Speak to your vet about the possibility of any underlying concerns that your pet may be experiencing.

How to Care for a Malnourished Pet

Visit Vet Regularly

Work with your vet to come up with a step-by-step plan to get your pet back to health. Vet’s can monitor the progress, check vitals and body temperature and advise on the necessary adjustments as your pet heals. Never attempt to take care of your malnourished pet on your own.

Create a Warm, Comfortable Environment

Animals who are malnourished do not have the body fat to keep them warm and have higher levels of stress. Create a safe and calming place for them to sleep and play. Provide cozy blankets, a sweater and a quality bed. If temperatures outside are on the lower end, then invest in a jacket for your pet to be able to go out of the house without freezing.

How to Feed a Malnourished Pet

Slowly is the keyword for feeding a malnourished pet. Gradually increase the frequency of their meals and the calorie intake. Feeding small amounts of food a few times daily is the standard suggestion. If fed too much, an animal could have digestive and neurological problems.

Start with adding only one extra meal a day. Focus on high-fat, low-carb food. After seven days, check in with your pet and your vet to see if adding two extra meals and increasing the calorie intake is a good idea.

The food given can either be commercial dog food suggested by a vet or homemade meals. Either way, only buy quality food that is balanced in the necessary daily vitamins and minerals. Keep fresh water available at all times to prevent dehydration.

Exercise

To go from underweight to overweight is not the goal. Create an exercise routine to balance out the gradual weight gain. Keep things gentle and easy. Do not choose any exercises that burn a lot of calories. Regular slow and short walks and easy playtime helps to improve the mental health of the pet and prevents obesity.

Support Supplements

The animal may need a little bit of extra help, especially if the malnourishment is extreme. Certain vitamins and minerals are hard to add to a meal. Supplements are a great way to get the necessary nutrients into a dog’s body.

The condition can take a toll on the digestive tract. Probiotic supplements help to restore balance and health in the gut. This also has an effect on the immune system since 70% of it is in the gastrointestinal tract. They also help the dog’s body to absorb the vitamins and minerals from the food they are being fed.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help to get a pet’s coat, immunity and heart health back to a healthy place. There are some studies that found that these fatty acids help build muscle mass. A malnourished dog typically has a low percentage of muscle mass due to the body using it for energy. Add these supplements to your pet’s food to slowly increase them to a healthy percentage.

Road to Recovery

An animal suffering from malnourishment only needs love and help to recover to full health. A gradual increase in the feeding plan set up by a vet, a calm environment, easy exercise and support supplements all contribute to adding back on the right amount of weight for the pet. Remember, to see a vet as soon as possible if you see any signs of malnourishment in your pet as it could be caused by a health condition.

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Puppy Mills: The Problems and the Better Choices

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date September 14, 2023

how to stop puppy mills, are puppy mills good, are puppy mills bad

Pomeranian puppy in a cage

Purchasing a puppy from a pet store or online may seem like the proper way to get a new dog. However, these establishments are a part of the puppy mill pipeline that encourages the mistreatment of dogs for profit. Though not illegal, puppy mills use inhumane methods of supplying pet stores and online spaces with puppies that are not in the best of health.

To ensure you are not adding to the demand, look for ethical breeders or go to your local shelter or rescue. This blog provides information on the problems with puppy mills, how to find ethical breeders and adopting from shelters and rescues.

The Problems with Puppy Mills

What are Puppy Mills?

Puppy mills are high-volume dog breeding facilities or factory farms that consistently force breed female dogs to produce a high rate of puppies to sell at a profit. These establishments sell their puppies through online classified ads, pet stores, internet sales and flea markets. The people who run puppy mills do not see the animals as living creatures but as a cash crop. It is estimated that there are around 10,000 puppy mills currently in the United States from which 2.6 million puppies are sold. Insufficient and weak laws allow these places to continue to be in operation.

Puppy Mill Conditions

The conditions of puppy mills are inhumane. Puppy mill owners use makeshift wood or wire cages stacked on top of each other where they cram as many puppies and adult dogs as they can in that space. The canines are covered in feces and urine as they stay in these cramped cages seven days a week. The dogs are left exposed to the elements of extreme heat, severe cold and rain storms. The animals suffer from sickness and malnutrition as they never have veterinary care and are severely underfed.

Female dogs are bred every time they are in heat which is generally twice a year. This results in the mother dogs constantly either being pregnant or nursing. Their litters are ripped from them when their puppies are at six weeks old preventing socialization. The horrible conditions of malnutrition lead many female dogs to eventually not be able to have any more babies. When this happens they are either abandoned or killed.

Many of the puppies do not survive the extremely harsh conditions of the puppy mills. The ones that do are then subject to horrendous traveling conditions in trucks, traitor-trailers and planes that take them hundreds of miles to the subpar care of the pet stores.

Health and Behavioral Problems in Puppy Mill Dogs

Puppies born in a puppy mill come with a long list of problems. Online ads and pet stores never advertise that the majority of their puppies come with kennel cough, distemper, heartworm, intestinal parasites, parvovirus, giardia, mange or upper respiratory infections.

The overbreeding and inbreeding that happens in a puppy mill has a direct effect on a puppy’s genetic makeup. Puppy mill owners do not monitor the breeding as their focus is on making a profit and not producing high quality puppies. Genetic defects such as severe allergies, heart disease, cancer, deafness, blood disorders, epilepsy, diabetes and eye problems either show up right away or are health problems that arise as the puppy ages. Puppy mill dogs are also at high risk of personality disorders such as aggression, fear, anxiety and extreme shyness.

This long list of problems results in a high veterinary bill for the new pet owner and the beginning of a difficult journey in handling their new puppy. Many of these dogs are quickly disposed of to a shelter by their unprepared owners.

Ethical Dog Breeders

Not all those who breed dogs are puppy mills. When looking for a new pet, it is important to do research before jumping in and purchasing.

Where to Find Ethical Breeders

Most ethical and reliable breeders have a well known reputation for providing healthy animals to good homes. Many have strong ties to veterinarians as they work closely with the vets to make sure their dogs are in the best condition. To find these responsible breeders talk to your local breeder clubs, your local trusted veterinarian or visit a professional dog show.

Signs of a Ethical Breeder

The signs that a breeder is ethical are they keep their dogs in a clean and spacious area, they breed sparingly, they can show you up-to-date records of vet visits for the puppy and the parents, they want to get to know you and they have you sign a contract.

A responsible dog breeder never gives a puppy to the first person who asks. They never sell through a pet store or in any way where they are not able to personally meet and interview the potential dog owner. They are transparent and heavily encourage the potential dog owner to visit to see where the puppy was born and raised. Getting to personally know who will be taking one of their dogs is very important to ethical breeders.

Providing papers does not matter as the AKC does not do any health or safety checks when registering a dog. Instead follow this checklist to see if the breeder you are interested in buying from is reputable. If the breeder you are speaking to does not meet all of these requirements, then it is better to look elsewhere to not risk getting an unhealthy puppy mill dog.

Adopting from Shelters and Rescues

To help curb the problem of puppy mills, the Humane Society encourages potential pet owners to first look for canines at shelters and rescues. Purchasing through an ethical breeder can be very expensive and puppies are not always available. At shelters and rescues there is rarely a shortage of dogs and puppies looking for new homes.

Shelters and rescues spay and neuter pets, do the necessary veterinary care and provide pet behavior support programs. These establishments have every kind of dog in breed, age and size. Workers guide potential pet owners on what type of dog is a good fit for their home.

A potential dog owner may have their heart set on a specific breed. There are many rescues that focus on one specific dog breed. Search online with the name breed and the word rescue to discover any nearby.

To learn more about the difference in mutts and purebreds and how to find the right fit for you and your family read this blog.

Cut off the Demand to Stop the Supply

Puppy mills exist because there is a demand. Many people are not aware that when they walk into a pet store or go online to purchase an adorable puppy their money is going to support the inhumane conditions of thousands and potentially millions of dogs. Pet owners need to purchase from ethical breeders or get their dog from a shelter and rescue help to stop the demand. If pet stores and online ads are not able to sell puppies to anyone, then there is no need for puppy mills.

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Blogs Preventions

Pet Birth Defects

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date September 11, 2023

animals born with birth defects, what are the most common birth defects for animals

September 13th is Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day. The observance day was established in 2014 by Davis Rogers. The goal is to bring awareness of pet birth defects caused often by inbreeding or over-breeding situations and to encourage responsible pet owners to accommodate animals that need a bit of extra help. With awareness and the right treatments, pets born with defects can live normal lives.

This blog discusses the causes of pet birth defects, the most common pet birth defects and the treatments for the common pet birth defects.

Causes of Pet Birth Defects

The causes of pet birth defects can range from a variety of reasons. Though none can directly pinpoint the exact reason an animal is born with a certain defect. The two main causes that are generally considered to have the biggest impact are genetics and maternal factors.

Certain dogs and cats have medical and health conditions that are common in their breeds or with their specific lineage. Often, these genetic abnormalities are not able to be avoided. Maternal factors also play a role in pet birth defects. Environmental factors such as nutritional deficiencies of the mother, toxins and viruses play an important role in how the puppy or kitten forms in the womb.

Common Types of Pet Birth Defects

Cleft Palates

This genetic abnormality has a 25% incidence among pets. A cleft palate is the hard and soft palates at the roof of the mouth not properly closing during the puppy or kitten’s development in the womb. This opening can range from small to large. It causes difficulty for the pet in eating and nursing which can result in poor growth. The animal may also develop a facial deformity such as a cleft lip. Dog breeds that are genetically prone to cleft palates are Shih-tzus, cocker spaniels, beagles, miniature schnauzers, Great Pyrenees, Brittany spaniels and dachshunds.

Umbilical hernia

Normally, the area where the umbilical cord connects the puppy or kitten to their mother dries up and falls off after birth, leaving a completely healed little belly button. When this spot does not heal properly, an opening is left that allows the abdominal lining, fat or organs to push through that space. This creates a bulge in the location of the belly button. There is no concern for this genetic abnormality when it is small. Many veterinarians compare it to a protruding belly button. When the umbilical hernia is large risks arise. With a bigger opening a section of an intestine can drop through and may not return to the inside of the body. This creates a pinched intestine that can cause a build up of toxins as it prevents food and waste from being able to move.

Limb Deformities

Limb deformities include being born without feet (apodia), without certain bones in the limbs, born with split toes, missing toes or toes fused together. An animal’s hind legs are more susceptible to this genetic abnormality. Limb deformities are noticeable right away when the puppy or kitten are born.

Congenital Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is the sound of the heartbeat making extra noises like whooshing or swishing. This is the result of a structural heart defect. The genetic abnormality is noticeable after birth and has the potential to lead to congestive heart failure. A pet’s heart murmur can be mild with the sounds barely being heard or it can be severe with the sounds being very loud. Breeds that are more prone to hear murmurs are poodles, chihuahuas, dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and cocker spaniels.

Portosystemic Shunts or Liver Shunts

This genetic abnormality is created by a shunt that does not allow the toxins, proteins or nutrients to go through the liver. The shunt is caused by an unusual connection between the paths of the flow of blood in the body, in particular the portal vascular system and the portal vascular system. This prevents the liver from growing to its intended size and causes failure of normal liver functions. Some breeds that are susceptible to portosystemic shunts are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Cattle dogs, malteses and Yorkshire terriers.

Treatments of Common Pet Birth Defects

In minor cases, no treatment is generally needed. Some genetic abnormalities such as a mild heart murmur or a missing toe are not life threatening and the pet easily adjusts. In severe cases, surgery is often seen as the best option depending on the animal’s overall health.

Surgery for Pet Birth Defects

To correct a cleft palate requires multiple surgeries. The procedure takes healthy, existing tissue and uses it to fill up the space between the separate palates.

A bulging umbilical hernias goes through an operation that pushes the intestines, tissues or fat back into the body. If an intestine was pinched, surgery is required to fix the damage. Often this procedure is done when the pet is four or five months old and is ready to be spayed or neutered. The animal is under anesthesia only one time and the vet can conveniently do both surgeries in one session.

For limb deformities the option of surgery depends on the type of deformity. In cases of a rotational limb or angular limb, surgery is encouraged to realign the leg. In other circumstances, as long as the animal is not in pain, surgery is seen as more of a cosmetic operation and is not required.

Portosystemic shunts or liver shunts require the pet to be medically stable before surgery can be done. Vets encourage owners to give their cat or dog a low protein diet, antibiotics and lactulose. The goal of these three is to decrease the bacteria in the intestines and minimize the toxins. Surgery closes the identified shunt vessel.

Quality of Life for Pets with Birth Defects

Pets born with birth defects can still live happy and long lives. Majority of pet birth defects can be detected right after birth. Bring a new puppy or kitten immediately to their first vet appointment to have an overall health check to catch any genetic abnormalities and to get advice on treatment.

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Blogs Preventions

Protecting Pets in Emergency Situations

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date September 7, 2023

what to do with pets during an emergency situation, pet grooming salon near me

A Pet Dog Ferried to Safety on a Flooded Section of Road in Bangkok During the November 2011 Floods

Emergency situations can happen unexpectedly. Different areas can be at risk for flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or earthquakes. Knowing what to do before the emergency happens is key to getting you and your pets to safety in time.

This blog goes over how to make a plan, what needs to be in the pet emergency kit and how to help your pets to recover after experiencing an emergency situation.

Making a Plan

Evacuation Plan

No matter the emergency situation or natural disaster, every household should have an evacuation plan put in place. If the area is not safe for humans, then it is not safe for pets. Be aware of your area’s evacuation routes and map out secondary routes in advance in case of unexpected closures and traffic.

Know your area’s safety zones and set up a family and friends meeting place. Keep a pet’s emergency kit in an accessible area. Assign jobs to different family members to reduce confusion. Practice multiple times for different emergency situations. Read this blog for an example of how to set up an evacuation plan.

Know a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

Not all hotels and motels accept pets. Make a list of available pet-friendly resting spots along the set evacuation routes and have their numbers ready to call to make a reservation if there is an impending evacuation. Some evacuation shelters do not accept pets. For example, the Red Cross is not allowed to house pets, besides service animals, per local and state health regulations. Speak to your local shelter about evacuation shelters that are pet-friendly.

In the event that there are no shelters or hotels that allow pets, speak with a veterinarian clinic to see if they provide boarding to local pets. Another option is to contact family or friends who live further away in a safe area to take in a pet. Be prepared to separate your animals if you have multiple.

When the Owner isn’t Home

Speak with reliable neighbors, friends or family who live close by to step in when an emergency situation occurs and the pets are home alone. Go over the evacuation plan, where to safely bring pets and what is in the pet emergency kit. Whether the owner is out to dinner or out of town, another person should be put in charge to ensure the safety and well-being of the household animals.

Keep Microchips and ID Tags Updated

Emergency situations can be terrifying for pets and may cause them to escape and run away. A microchipped pet and one wearing ID tags has a higher chance of being reunited with their owner. After natural disasters the shelters are overcrowded. Having easy to access and up to date owner information helps the volunteers be able to clear out pets faster and make room for others that are in need of help. To learn more in-depth about microchips and ID tags read this article.

Pet Emergency Kit

Have an emergency kit ready for pets to help protect and provide for them when a disaster hits the area. Include the listed important items in the preparedness kit to ensure easy access to vital supplies and documents whether the pets are with the owner, have to be boarded or are with a pet sitter.

Important Documents for Pets

Pet emergency kits must include veterinary records of the pets like rabies certificate, prescriptions for any medications, recent Heartworm test results for dogs, recent FeLV/FIV test results for cats, proof of their vaccinations and an overall medical summary. Other important records to include are a photocopy of proof of ownership or adoption, microchip information, a current photo of you and your pet together and contact information. Keep all these documents in a waterproof container or sleeve to prevent damage from floods or rain.

Nutrition and Medication for Pets

Add food and water to a pet emergency kit. Have an amount for each pet to last them between a couple of days to two weeks. Put disposable or collapsible water and food bowls in the kit. Include a manual can opener if the pet has canned food and feeding instructions on how and when to give the animal their meals.

A cat or dog that has prescriptions should have detailed medication instructions printed out and added to the preparedness kit. Flea, tick and Heartworm preventatives are important to include for each pet. A month’s supply of each is the recommended amount.

Other Supplies for Pets

Additional supplies to add to a pet emergency kit are a collar with ID tags, a sturdy harness and leash and a pet first aid kit. Include sanitation supplies for accidents, grooming items to keep the pet clean and tidy and their favorite toys for familiarity. Keep a traveling bag, crate or carrier for each pet near the pet emergency kit for an easy grab when there is an emergency situation.

Help Pets Recover After Emergency Situation

Keep a consistent eye on your pet’s behavior. The stress of what they have been through can cause them to become moody, aggressive, depressed and disorientated. Provide comfort to pets and space to let them decompress and rest. Surround them with familiar toys and blankets to bring them a sense of normalcy. Speak with a veterinarian if the pet continues to regress.

Being Calm in a Chaotic Environment

Keeping calm is the best way to navigate the scary situation that is an unexpected emergency. Having a plan that includes evacuation routes, pet-friendly resting spots and a pet emergency kit helps to keep things orderly and get everyone out of harm’s way quickly. Ensure the safety of pets even when not at home by putting a neighbor, friend, relative or pet sitter in charge and aware of what to do. Creating an environment of calmness also helps the household pets to recover from the shock of experiencing an emergency situation.

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Cut off the Demand to Stop the Supply

Causes of Pet Birth Defects

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Cleft Palates

Umbilical hernia

Limb Deformities

Congenital Heart Murmurs

Portosystemic Shunts or Liver Shunts

Treatments of Common Pet Birth Defects

Surgery for Pet Birth Defects

Quality of Life for Pets with Birth Defects

Making a Plan

Evacuation Plan

Know a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

When the Owner isn’t Home

Keep Microchips and ID Tags Updated

Pet Emergency Kit

Important Documents for Pets

Nutrition and Medication for Pets

Other Supplies for Pets

Help Pets Recover After Emergency Situation

Being Calm in a Chaotic Environment

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