It’s a talent to make the most productive sword swallower jealous. Our dogs have an uncanny ability to swallow dangerous objects, such as knives and sticks, and still act as if nothing was wrong. What drives these canine daredevils to eat such risky items?

The Labrador retriever mix trotted through the door of the hospital wagging her tail and generally happy to see everyone. Her owners were concerned because she had a brief history of productive and non-productive vomiting and had recently stopped eating. The pictures below show what the veterinarian was able to retrieve from her throat. Believe it or not, this pup walked out of the hospital the next morning, still wagging her tail.

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Chagrin Falls, Ohio-July 16, 2008 Avian flu is in the news, but did you know that dogs also have a new flu virus and it is spreading rapidly.

It all began in January 2004 with a sudden outbreak of respiratory disease among 22 racing greyhounds at a Florida racetrack. Most of the dogs developed a mild fever followed by a cough that lasted about 14 days, and then recovered. But slightly more than one third of the dogs died after developing hemorrhaging in the lungs. Within six months, the virus turned up in other racing greyhounds at tracks in six other states- then at 20 tracks in 11 states, and now the new virus has affected pet dogs in over 20 states.

The canine flu virus actually mutated from a virus that has affected horses for over forty years. And since there has never been a case of the equine virus affecting humans, experts are fairly certain that the canine virus will not infect humans either. But with the recent news and hype about avian flu strains that may infect humans, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is watching closely.

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Most owners, the return of spring is a joyous occasion. The opportunity to spend quality time with your pet outdoors can be an exhilarating experience. Just be sure to watch out for some sneaky critters waiting to feast on your pet’s blood!

Everyone is well aware of the irritation that fleas can cause our pets, as well as pesky mosquitoes spreading heartworm disease. But another problem parasite that shows up in the spring and stays until about October is the tick – and they can cause serious problems, some of them deadly.

There are over 850 known species of ticks in the world and these relatives of spiders can be found as parasites on mammals, birds, and even reptiles. Here in the United States, dog and cat owners have less than a dozen species to deal with, but all of these ticks can harbor a variety of serious diseases, such as tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme Disease.

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Dr. Carol,

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful products that I have my little dog, Brownie use. A few months ago she was having trouble getting up and going up steps. After being on the joint and hip supplements for only about 2 months she now has no hesitation getting upland she also runs up the steps’ have had her on the PAAWS for about 3 years and her health is very good. She is about 13 years old and gets around as good as she did when she was a lot younger. I can’t thank you enough for the great products and the compassion you have for our little pets. I will always have her use your products as they are the best in my opinion. Anyone who truly cares about their pets should look at your products.

Brownie says thanks too.

Sincerely, Tom O.  
Smyrna, TN

Just wanted to pass along we fed our 3 chihuahuas Waggin Train Jerky Tenders and one of the dogs has become seriously ill. The vet suspects the tenders and so do we, as that was the only new variable in their routine. Of course, the mfg has responded and said they all test negative ‘blah, blah, blah’. These were purchased a couple of weeks ago at Target. Target has not responded to my complaint.

I have been researching these treats and found several dog owners with similar experiences. Some of the pets have died. I tried to give them something I thought was healthy and save a couple of bucks at the same time. Our dog has not recovered at this time and is still on medication. I have spend 100s of times what I saved.

No more products from China.

Rae
Atlanta, GA

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As summertime temperatures soar, heat related deaths of dogs increase as well!

Chagrin Falls, Ohio- July 7, 2008- Hot dogs may be a popular summertime treat for baseball fans and backyard cookouts, but allowing our canine friends to overheat is a potential fatal disaster!  Keeping our pets cool as the temperatures heat up doesn’t have to be a challenge if you keep a few easy facts in mind.

Dogs don’t sweat like people do; therefore, they rely on panting to cool themselves down during a warm day.  Even just a few hours in the hot sun can spell tragedy for the pet and the owner.  Everyone has heard about the horrors of dogs left in cars during summer days, but many of our pets can overheat easily in their own backyard.

Dogs need access to plenty of cool water and shade if they are going to be left outside for any extended period of time during warm weather.  Even the seasoned “outdoor dogs” can succumb to higher temperatures if adequate shade and water are not provided.   Short faced breeds, like Boxers and Bulldogs, are at higher risk because of their inability to pant effectively.

Signs that your pet may be experiencing heat stroke include:  an inability to stand, weakness while standing, vigorous panting, thick ropy saliva, and occasionally, bright red mucous membranes.

This situation is a medical emergency!!  Your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian without delay.  Immediately bring your pet to a cooler area out of the sun and apply cool, but not cold, water to the extremities.  A fan is often very helpful as well.  As soon as you can, load your dog into the car and go to your veterinarian.   Elevated body temperatures can be fatal to your pet in a matter of minutes!

Don’t let a preventable pet emergency spoil your summertime fun!  Ask your veterinarian about warm weather tips that will help your dog safe during the “dog days” of summer.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest updates on pet health. For more information call veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

Campaign against canine cancers expects eradication of disease within 10 to 20 years!

Chagrin Falls, Ohio- June 27, 2008- More than half of the dog-owning households in North America will experience the pain and distress of learning their beloved pet has cancer.  But now, thanks to the efforts of the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) and their Canine Cancer Campaign, our pets may have an opportunity to beat this disease.   Even better news is that this campaign may end up helping people in their own battle against cancer!

The Morris Animal Foundation has spent 60 years promoting and protecting animals through their funding of humane animal health studies and, more importantly, sharing the information from those crucial initiatives.  Their current Canine Cancer Campaign hopes to raise $30 million in five years in order to cure and eliminate this canine killer.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over the age of two.  In fact, one dog out of every four will die from this dreaded disease.  Owners of purebred dogs face even greater risk - estimates from the Golden Retriever Foundation show that about 60% of this breed suffers from cancer.

Working in conjunction with leading scientists, veterinary schools and pharmaceutical companies, MAF eventually hopes to involve all of the 44 million dog-owning households in their fund raising efforts.  Their aggressive main goal is to eradicate canine cancer within ten to twenty years. 

But, MAF also hopes to more fully educate dog owners about their options if their pet is diagnosed with any sort of growth, malignant or benign.  Already, early funding and collaboration has sponsored a tissue bank as well as multiple studies and an initiative to offer free cancer consultations for pet owners.

This campaign may also have far-reaching benefits.  Since humans and dogs share many types of cancer, research into treatments and prevention of the disease may help us to understand and win our own battles with cancer. 

Hope is available for dogs and their owners.  With a little luck and a lot of effort, we may defeat cancer by the time your new puppy reaches old age!

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health updates. Veterinarian and author Dr. Carol Osborne offers cancer consultations and natural treatments for dogs and cats. To make an appointment for your dog or cat or to talk with Dr. Osborne call Toll Free 1-866-372-2765.

Cutting edge technology can help lessen discomfort, send pets home sooner.

Chagrin falls, Ohio- June 26, 2008- Fortunately, most of our pets will only undergo one surgery during their lifetimes.  But, pet owners want to make sure this single surgical event is as painless as possible for their beloved animals.  Today, high tech equipment used in human surgeries may give your dog’s spay a new twist!

Many people benefit from the use of laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery in human medicine.   From removing gall bladders to dealing with obesity, laparoscopy is commonplace at many outpatient surgical facilities.  Veterinarians are turning to these techniques and adapting them to their patients as well.

The biggest benefit to laparoscopic surgery is the reduced need for large incisions in the abdomen.  Although many veterinarians routinely spay dogs with incisions less than three inches in length, some larger breeds may need an incision that is six or even eight inches long.  With laparoscopes, veterinarians can spay a dog with just two incisions, each less than an inch in length!

Minimizing the size of the incision also benefits the pet because smaller incisions mean less pain and shorter recovery times.  One small study showed that pets spayed with a laparoscope needed less pain relief medications than their counterparts spayed via traditional methods.

Laparoscopic surgery can also save lives!  Many breeds, such as Great Danes, are prone to a painful and life-threatening twisting of the stomach known as “bloat”.  With a laparoscope, veterinarians can quickly perform a procedure to prevent the twisting of the dog’s stomach and avoid conventional exploratory surgery to tack the stomach to the abdominal wall.

This truly leading edge technology is not available everywhere.  Advocates anticipate that the use of laparoscopes will continue to increase as pet owners strive to provide the highest level of care for their pets.  Ask your veterinarian about the availability of minimally invasive surgery in your area.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest up to date pet health information. Veterinarian,

Dr. Carol Osborne is available for consultation at 1-866-372-2765.

Most dogs and cats don’t mind letting their owners take a look inside their mouth to look at the teeth. First, look at your pets face. Both sides should match. Look for any abnormal swellings. When you look at your pets head, try to feel the glands under the neck. Both should be the same size. Next, raise the lips and look at the teeth and gums. If you see any areas that are red, swollen, discolored or find broken teeth, it’s time to check with your vet. Cats are especially prone to painful cavities which occur at the gum line. Finally, take a whiff of your pet’s breath. If it doesn’t smell like roses, a trip to your vet is in order.

Home dental preventative care is the best gift you can give your pet. Without daily brushing, plaque will form at the area where the gum meets the tooth. In time, plaque will attract calcium salts and calculus forms. The plaque and calculus irritates the gum tissue leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis, if treated early, can be cured. Periodontal disease can be controlled, but not cured. Daily brushing is the key. Brushing can be easy if you take a piece of gauze, wrap it around your index finger, dip it in a few drops of chicken broth or for cats tuna juice and gently rub around the outer surfaces of upper and lower gum line. The upper teeth attract the most plaque, so spend more time there. Pet toothpastes and toothbrushes are available at your vet’s office. A human baby tooth brush can also be used.

Natural Remedies are helpful for dental care in dogs and cats. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before giving them to your pet.

Vitamin C: used to decrease swelling, aid in the care of periodontal disease, and decrease pain

Myrrh: soothes inflamed gum tissues. Can be applied with a q-tip when mixed with distilled water

Echinacea: helpful in periodontal therapy

Arnica: can be given before and after oral surgery

Calendula Lotion: can be used to soothe ulcers in the mouth and promote healing

Fragraria: may be helpful in preventing the buildup of tartar given every other month

Chamonilla: can be used to decrease puppy and kitten teething as well as chewing on furniture

Hypericum: decrease oral pain

For more information on your pet’s health log onto veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne’s web site at www.drcarol.com or call toll free 1-866-372-2765.

Recently, the need for a higher level of health care for senior pets has been recognized by veterinary medicine. Owners of the current 45 million plus pet boomers are searching for solutions to help their dogs make the most of their senior years. Today veterinarian and author, Dr Carol Osborne is with us to offer natural nutritional strategies for dogs with arthritis.

What determines longevity or how long our dogs can live?

A: Longevity is attributable 70% to lifestyle and 30% to genetics so by making simple changes in your dogs daily regime there is a 70% chance you will make a dramatic impact on your dog’s future health and wellness. In my veterinary practice, I have large breed dogs doing well at age 16 and small breeds thriving at age 22. Soon dogs will be enjoying healthy years up to age 30.

Where do we begin to create a longevity program for our pets?

A: A successful longevity program begins with nutrition. You are what you eat and so is your pet. Today so many foods are over processed that as veterinarians we are now seeing young dogs afflicted with disorders once reserved for the elderly. Diseases including cancer, arthritis, diabetes and liver disease are showing up in young dogs between 6 months and 2 years old. Today we will focus on arthritis.

What nutritional factors are most important to consider?

A: Vitamin Supplements, Diet and Exercise

Arthritis is a big problem-How common is it?

A: Arthritis affects over 50% of large breed dogs age 2 and over and the 3 top joints affected are the stifle, elbow and hips.

What are the basics or the critical ingredients dogs need?

A: Regardless of age and specific disorders most dogs need the basics:

· Anti-oxidants: Vitamins A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E: fight free radicals-slow aging process

· Vitamin B Complex: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 along with Biotin and Folic acid: Energy.

No Brewer’s yeast as a source of B vitamins as it causes allergies-itching and skin infections

· Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium and Zinc

· Dosages need to be appropriate for your dog’s age and health status

What additional nutrients are helpful for dogs with arthritis?

Omega 3 Fatty Acids-have been proven to actually reduce inflammation and decrease joint pain as well as NSAID’S-prescription medications without the adverse side effects

Glucosamine/Chondroitan sulfate

MSM

Enzymes: Bromelain-from pineapple

Hyaluronic Acid

Vitamin C

Stem Cells-new derived from the dogs fat and now available at affordable rates

What about managing a dog with arthritis-what’s most important?

A: Diet & Exercise

*Don’t let your dog get fat-keep ‘em lean

Demo: you should be able to feel but not see each rib and your dog should have a waist-a tucked up area behind the rib cage

1 pound of wt loss gives a 4 fold decrease in joint load

10% wt loss increases joint function by 28%, decreases joint pain and improves your dogs mental attitude and quality of life

>60% of hip replacement candidates can avoid surgery by just losing weight

What diets are best to feed?

A: Organic and natural diets are available commercially and you can discuss these with your vet. Homemade diets take a little more time but are well worth the extra effort: 1/3 lean protein, 1/3 long acting carbohydrate, 1/3 vegetables-blend, season and cook with a little extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil smells good, enhances taste and is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. Feed at least 2 meals a day. For weight loss feeding 4-6 small meals a day stimulates your dog’s metabolism which uses energy, burns calories and promotes weight loss.

Are there any foods to avoid with arthritis?

A: yes, avoid vegetables from the night shade family: tomatoes, potatoes, egg plant and peppers as they aggravate arthritis

What about exercise?

A: Exercise is the “Universal Rule of Longevity,” you name it and exercise helps it!

What types of exercise are best with arthritis?

A: Each dog is unique so it’s always best to check with your vet but in general:

Walking, jogging, swimming and massage. Join a local pet sport club, try agility or fly ball. There are many choices but, in terms of its strong and universal benefits, the single factor that is closest to a magic bullet for health is exercise. Pets and people with bone, neuromuscular and joint disorders reap the most immediate benefits from exercise. Without exercise pets at risk for arthritis become crippled by stiff, deteriorated joints. In fact not exercising an arthritis dog increases his risk of permanent disability by 33%.

How should you set up your dog’s exercise program?

Make easily achievable goals, build gradually on each accomplishment and focus on functional gains. Build up your dogs exercise program slowly and gradually so he gains strength and improves his aerobic capacity. This protects inflamed joints, reduces pain, and improves joint function, balance, endurance, coordination and quality of life. It reduces the risk of diabetes-by improving glucose (blood sugar) tolerance your pet will need less medication(insulin) to control blood sugar), strokes(by increasing blood flow to the brain), hypertension and heart attacks. Exercise also increases the body’s natural production of endorphins, which are the “feel good hormones”, so with regular exercise, your dogs body naturally wants to stay active and even is scheduling time is tough, you and your dog will both feel so much better its crazy not to do it.

What’s the best way to monitor your program?

A: Make a chart and re-access weekly at first then monthly

The 3 R’s of re-assessment are: recheck, reassess and revise your program accordingly and always work with your vet to get your best results!

Starting sooner is better than later but regardless of your pets age it’s never too late to begin a longevity program for your pet. You will both reap the rewards and your pet will be living proof of your success for years to come.

For more information visit this author, veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne online at www.carolonpets.com or call Dr. Carol toll free at 1-8666-372-2765.

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©2008, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M.