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Dog Park Safety

Dogs running in a park playing with a tennis ball.
If you’ve recently become a dog owner, you’re probably excited to take your dog to the local dog park. But before you go, review this information to make sure you’re both prepared to have a fun and safe time at the dog park. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to win some canine and human friends!

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) in Pets

A senior Golden Labrador being pet.
Senior pets, just like their human counterparts, can experience both physical and cognitive decline as they age. A disorder similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a degenerative disease diagnosed in some dogs and cats. CDS causes a decline in brain function in aging pets, resulting in behavioral changes. This decline is not the result of normal aging – instead, pets with CDS have been shown to accumulate beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which block normal communication between neurons (brain cells). This leads to various changes in behavior such as disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, memory loss, personality changes, and loss of housetraining. While there is no cure for CDS, early intervention can slow the progress of this disease and improve your pet’s quality of life throughout their senior years.

Nasal Tumors in Dogs

Tumors that occur inside the nose are uncommon canine tumors. These tumors in dogs are more frequently seen in older male and female dogs. Radiation therapy is the most common cancer treatment for nasal tumors.

Nasal Tumors in Cats

Tumors that occur inside the nose are uncommon in cats. These tumors are more commonly seen in older males or females. Radiation therapy is the most common cancer treatment for nasal tumors. Nasal tumors can metastasize (spread) to the nearby lymph nodes and the lungs. A thorough evaluation is necessary to include a physical examination, blood work, chest x-rays, a biopsy or aspiration of the tumor, lymph node assessment, abdominal ultrasound, and a CT scan.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a collective name for a group of malignant (cancerous) tumors which typically arise from tissue under the skin. Though these tumors can occur anywhere, they most frequently arise on the limbs or anywhere on the outside of the dog’s body. Types of STSs include fibrosarcomas, perivascular wall tumors (previously called hemangiopericytoma), and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Affected dogs are typically 10 years of age or older. Soft tissue sarcomas can metastasize (spread) to nearby lymph nodes and the lungs. A thorough evaluation is necessary and includes blood work, chest x-rays, a biopsy or an aspiration or the mass, lymph node assessment, abdominal ultrasound, and possible a CT scan.