Posts

Defying Deafness in Pets

/in , , , , /by

Deafness in Pets

Being the resilient little creatures they are, pets won’t allow losing their hearing abilities to get them down and neither should you. Animals are intuitive, intelligent beings and if taught with patience and consistency, they can learn from an early age to cope very well with their remaining four senses.

What is Deafness?

Deafness can be either partial or complete loss of your pet’s ability to hear. It’s far more common than you might think and while some animals may sadly be born with this impairment, it can also emerge later in life.

Causes

A loss of hearing in cats and dogs can occur due to the following reasons:

  • Conduction: Inflammation of the ear which hampers sound waves from reaching the nerves in the ears.
  • Nerve-related issues: Elderly pets may endure deterioration to the nerve.
  • Disease: Illnesses such as cancer and trauma may contribute to deafness.
  • Inadequate development: This affects part of the ear where nerve receptors are responsible for hearing, leading to an accumulation of fluid on and resultant damage to certain areas of the brain responsible for hearing.
  • Drugs ad Toxins: Administration of certain drugs such as antiseptics, chemotherapy and antibiotics can cause hearing impairments.
  • Genetics: Some breeds of canines are more susceptible to hearing loss, such as German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Cocker Spaniels and Boston Terriers, amongst others.

Symptoms

Watch out for the following indicators associated with hearing loss in pets:

  • gradually becoming unresponsive to sounds
  • stops responding to their name
  • seems to be unaware of loud sounds in their surroundings

As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, it is best to consult your vet immediately.

Diagnosis

Deafness in puppies and kittens maybe a consequence of hereditary defects however, diagnosis in older animals would usually be based on identifying the underlying causes such as cancer and inflammation. Hearing tests and bacterial cultures are the most common diagnostic tools used to measure the onset of hearing loss.

Treatment

While deafness at birth is unfortunately irreversible, medical or surgical treatment methods can be prescribed depending on the extent of inflammation. Your vet may also recommend a special hearing aid for your pet. Ensure that you follow the treatment plan provided by your vet for addressing hearing loss caused by inflammation and restrict your pet’s physical activities during this treatment period. 

Helping and Caring for Hearing Impaired Pets

A deaf pet should not have to compromise on their quality of life. As their pet parent, you can play an active role in making your fur child’s life more comfortable and contented by:

  • investing in a secure fence to restrict your pet from venturing outside without your supervision (animals with audible impairments are oblivious to oncoming vehicles and this may have a devastating outcome)
  • employing the use of vibrating collars, leashes as well as tags and microchips which can help you locate your buddy in case they get lost
  • ensuring they have a tag on their collar saying, “I’m Deaf”.
  • informing others in your neighbourhood about your pet’s hearing impediment
  • patiently teaching your loyal love non-verbal cues from an early age. While your pet may be hard of hearing, it’s highly likely that their other four senses function at a heightened level to compensate for their hearing impairment. This makes them extremely alert and responsive to people’s body gestures for visual and tactile prompts, such as:
    • getting their attention by waving your hand or aiming a flashlight in their direction (avoiding the eyes) if they aren’t looking at you
    • using touching cues to catch their attention by gently pulling on their leash or softly touching their back
    • making full use of your facial expressions as pets are incredibly intuitive at reading faces. If you’re pleased with them, smile. If not, frown. That’s all it takes for them to get the picture.
    • With this said, never alarm your pet, especially whilst sleeping. Pets with hearing impairments have especially sensitive skin and are incredibly responsive to vibrations. Firmly stomping on the floor or a gentle caress on their body should be able to wake them peacefully.
  • patiently teaching your pet sign language or hand gestures from an early age, so you are prepared to communicate with them throughout their lives without relying on verbal cues, whether they are hearing impaired or not. These cues can be taught by:
    • demonstrating the action, such as tapping their back
    • drawing their interest with a treat, moving it to their nose and up to your eyes to encourage them to make eye contact with you
    • signalling your positive reinforcement sign once eye contact is made and treat your pet for their successful efforts. Treats can eventually be phased out once they’ve got the knack of a particular signal.
    • ensuring each family member is trained to use consistent signals so not to confuse your pet. It’s highly recommended to use the service of a qualified trainer to better equip you, your family and of course, your precious fur baby with the tools to ensure you make the best of your pet’s disability.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

Pet Talk: Why is my dog coughing?

/in , /by

Pet Talk: Why is my dog coughing?

Why is my dog coughing?

In my many years of practicing veterinary medicine here in the Vail Valley, I have seen innumerable coughing dogs, at all seasons of the year from many different causes, and some more life threatening than others.

As a pet owner, when should you get concerned when your pet is exhibiting a cough? What signs would you look for and what could this cough represent?

It’s normal for your pets to sniff and get their noses where perhaps they can be exposed to bacteria, viruses or even foreign material such as grass.

But why is your pet coughing now?

There are innumerable reasons for a cough in dogs, but these are the most common.

KENNEL COUGH

Kennel cough is a very common reason for the active pet who visits the dog park frequently or is often groomed or boarded in doggy day care where chances of exposure increases. Owners often confuse kennel cough with something caught in a pet’s throat, as the pet will try to cough up something with no success. Because this is highly contagious, your pet should be seen by your veterinarian and depending on the severity, may be treated with cough suppressants and potentially antibiotics for any secondary infections.

LUNG PROBLEMS

Lung problems or pneumonia can also cause a cough. Pets, just like people, can get respiratory disease, which is primarily infectious based. If your pet has an infectious lung disease, the cough will often be “productive,” meaning you will see discharge coming out both the nose and the mouth.

ALLERGIES

Allergic respiratory disease can also be present in a pet. Pets can have allergies resulting in an asthma-like condition, especially during times of the high allergy season, or after exposure to wildfires, dust and changes in environment. Allergic respiratory disease can be treated with both oral and inhalant medications and managed over time. The cough is often a dry, hacking, cough.

HEART DISEASE

Heart disease in pets can also be represented as a cough because as the heart begins to fail and fluid builds up in the lungs, making it uncomfortable for your pet to breathe. This is common in your older pets, but can be seen in younger pets with congenital heart disease. Often your pet will have a fluid sound when breathing, and the tongue color can become blue as your pet is less oxygenated.

INFECTIONS

Fungal infections can result in coughing as they can be picked up in the dirt or in the air in various parts of the country, and present themselves later when the owner has returned home.

HEARTWORM

Heartworm disease is often forgotten when we evaluate pets for a cough, but certainly has become more prevalent in our state in recent years in all ages of pets. Parasites, in addition to heartworm, can travel to the lungs and cause coughing and lead to life-threatening lung disease.

If your pet is coughing, think of the many reasons listed that could be the cause, but certainly see your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Chest x-rays, in addition to base line blood work will likely be performed to ascertain the cause and develop a treatment plan!

This article was written by Sheila Fitzpatrick DVM, owner of the Mountain Animal Hospital Center & Mobile Veterinarian.

Source: Vail Daily

 

 

Deciphering Pet Food Labels

/in , , , , , , , /by

Deciphering Pet Food Labels Image

“You are what you eat!” Walk the talk as a pet parent and take your furry friend’s nutritional needs seriously. It’s astounding to see the increasing variety of dry and wet food brands and treats available at your local supermarket and veterinarian practice, making it increasingly difficult to decide on which option is best for your pet. Learning to decipher pet food labels is an invaluable lesson, allowing you to make informed nutritional choices for your loyal companions’ wellbeing and longevity.

Is the Product Registered?

Before you put a can or bag of pet food into that grocery basket, check that it has a “V number”. As per the guidelines provided by Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI), having this product registration number on the packaging indicates that the product complies with minimum nutritional standards for pet food and is safe for consumption. The PFI’s framework has been developed in alignment with the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) and the European Pet food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) guidelines.

Be wary of brands that do not have a V number!

A Closer Look into Ingredients

  • Flip the product over and you should find a comprehensive list of ingredients that the pet food is made from. These elements are listed in ascending order of weight. Make sure that the top two components list a specific meat or meat meal. Pets are carnivores which is why their daily protein requirement must be satisfied. Ensure that the protein source is free from steroid hormones and antibiotics. The product must have a greater protein content ratio to carbohydrates because brands laden with the latter will not provide your four-legged friend with the desired nutritional value they so rightfully deserve.
  • Ensure that meats included on the labels are specifically mentioned such as lamb, beef and chicken instead of accepting the umbrella terms of “meat”, “poultry” or “animal”.
  • Watch out for foods that have propylene glycol as a listed component because this can contribute to anaemia in felines.
  • Pet foods with Omega 3 derived from fish sources are highly recommended.
  • Ensure the food is free from artificial colourants or preservatives.

Deciphering ‘Hidden’ Codes on Labels

  • The composition of pet food ingredients is not as straightforward as it seems. For example, “All chicken” does not mean that a pet food is made from 100% chicken. In fact, it stands for 65% and above. A brand indicating “chicken flavour” simply has traces of the meat and a label reading “with chicken” means that the food has more than 4% of the respective ingredient. If your furry friend has any food-related allergies, this information proves that it’s even more vital to scrutinise pet food labels.
  • Some brands may split ingredients up into its components on their labels. For instance, a label indicating whole corn as an ingredient and then lists corn gluten meal further down the list is an indication that the total quantity of corn could be more than the initial listed meat ingredient.
  • The best before date serves as a guarantee of the quality and age of the food. Buying a product that’s reached it’s best before date could compromise the nutritional value shown on the label.
  • The product label must indicate whether the food is nutritionally complete (it will meet all your pet’s nutritional requirements) or complementary (indicating it should be fed with additional food or should only be consumed for a short period of time, as in the case of treats).
  • Feeding guidelines ensure your pet is being fed the optimum amount of food. These guidelines must be indicated on the food packet and will vary according to the food in question. These guidelines are indicated according to the pet’s age, weight and even breed. A recommended daily quantity can be divided into two or three meals per day. Premium brands usually have a higher nutrition content per 100 grams, therefore pets will consume smaller meal portions.
  • Factors to consider when budgeting for a food brand for your four-legged friend:
    – Packet or can size of food
    – Cost per kilogram
    – Quantity of food your pet will consume per meal

Beware of False Claims

  • Some brands tend to use labels such as “suitable for all life stages” and “vet recommended”. Take heed of such phrases because they are likely to be false. Animals’ nutritional requirements tend to change during the course of their lives which means that food for young kitties is not advisable for consumption by senior cats.
  • Any health claims such as curing a disease or illness should raise a reg flag. Registered prescription foods have been manufactured specifically to support the management, not cure of certain illnesses.
  • Pictures on the packaging should accurately depict the contents therein.

If Issues Arise:

  • The date of manufacture or batch number on the label enables the manufacturer to track the item if issues may arise
  • Direct any pet food concerns or enquiries to the PFI via their website www.pfisa.co.za

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

 

 

Organic Pet Food

/in , , , , , , , /by

Organic Pet Food - image

Nature appears to be leaving science in its wake as people increasingly place their faith in organic pet food made in a kitchen over those made in a laboratory. Just as we scrutinise the safety and origin of the foods we consume, don’t our four-legged friends deserve the same consideration?

What is ‘Organic’ Food?

Organic pet foods are free from any artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives or any contact with pesticides. Furthermore, they are prepared from meat and meat by-products that do not comprise antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic foods are made with minimal, if any, fillers and some are even enriched with antioxidants to promote your pet’s wellbeing. Animal sources used in the production of organic food must be allowed to live free range, thereby moving around freely outdoors.

Benefits of Organic Pet Food

  • Reduces Allergies and Ailments

Artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives, chemical additives and pesticides found in conventional pet food could be the root of all evil concerning your fur baby’s allergies. Allergies triggered by the diverse chemical additives in various pet foods and treats can result in allergic reactions that could range from mild to potentially critical. As organic pet foods don’t contain these abovementioned ingredients and are made from quality grain and protein sources, they stand to be especially nutritious, thereby strengthening your pet’s immune system, so it’s better fortified to fight infections and reduce their overall allergic responses.

  • Weight Control

You’re better able to control your pet’s weight by ensuring they get all the essential nutrients in one organic meal. They feel more satiated consuming smaller quantities of a higher quality meal that provides them with optimal energy and helps them keep those extra kilos at bay.

  • Reduces Digestive Issues

Organic food is far more palatable and digestive than conventional pet food because it doesn’t contain artificial ingredients, toxic chemicals and bulk fillers. Their digestive tract is better able to metabolise the superior forms of proteins and grains, thereby enabling your furry pal to eliminate less, with more predictability as well as more solid and less smelly excretions.

  • Improves Overall Health and Immunity

Because organic pet food is easier to digest than conventional pet food, your pet can efficiently absorb, rather than eliminate, the required nutrients, thereby supporting a healthy immune system to keep costly infections and illnesses at bay.

  • Empowers your pet to live their best life

Just like humans, what our pets eat has direct repercussions on what they look and feel like. Organic pet food empowers our four-legged family members to embrace a fuller, more energetic, healthier and happier life. With a healthy body weight, more energy to play, walk and run, along with a fortified immune system leading to reduced incidences of illness, an organic diet can extend their life expectancy and enhance your pet’s quality of life for years to follow.

Downsides to Organic Pet Food

  • The extent of how much healthier organic pet food is than high-quality commercial food is still inconclusive. Always consult with your veterinarian concerning your pet’s individual nutritional requirements.
  • Organic pet foods maybe challenging to source as only specialised pet stores or health shops may stock it.
  • Being relatively new to the market, you may struggle to find a suitable fit of organic food to suit your pet’s personal preferences.
  • Lastly, as with everything, there’s a cost consideration. Organic foods are heftier in price than commercial pet foods but some vow that the additional pennies spent are well worth it.

Assessing the Organic Pet Food Options

If the initial ingredients on the food packet read carbohydrates and fillers, you can be confident that the product content is highly processed and subsequently unhealthy. Also keep in mind that organic food doesn’t automatically equate to nutritionally healthy. Some organic foods are still high in sugar and contain other ingredients that may be difficult for your pet to digest so try to avoid these products. Despite all the health benefits, remember that organic treats do contain energy that may convert into weight gain and other health issues if given in excess, so moderation is key!

Specific qualities of food you should inspect prior to purchasing and feeding your furry loved-one:

  • Comparatively low cereal or grain content
  • Good balance of vitamins and nutrients
  • High meat content
  • Least amount of processed constituents
  • Label on the packet or tin informing you that the pet food concerned forms part of a complete diet

Always research the brands you purchase to check whether they have been accredited by a certification body and consult your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet. Visiting an organic brand’s website will also give you a clearer idea of what you and your pet can expect from them.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson