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Did you know that medications are among the leading causes of poisoning in pets each year? Whether it’s prescription drugs, over-the-counter pills, or even supplements, the way we store these items can make a huge difference in keeping our pets safe. Just like curious toddlers, our pets can get into places we’d never expect, so make sure all medications are securely stored in a locked cabinet. Remember, what’s safe for humans can be harmful to pets, so keep all medications clearly labeled and separate. If you suspect your pet has ingested any medication, seek veterinary care immediately.  

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.

When the temperature drops, our pets rely on us more than ever to help them navigate the challenges of winter. Here are some tips to ensure your pets stay warm, healthy, and happy during the cold months:

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 59% of dogs are overweight or obese. In animals, fat starts to accumulate around internal organs before it’s visible from the outside. That means by the time you notice your dog has gained weight, his health may already be negatively affected. Being overweight or obese doesn’t just affect how your dog looks, it also increases his risk for many health problems including: Cancer Decreased lifespan Heart disease Kidney issues Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance Osteoarthritis If your dog does become overweight or obese, talk with your veterinarian about ways to get your pup back to a healthy weight. This could include a change in diet or starting an exercise program. Your veterinarian can help you find a solution that works best for you and your dog.    

The term brachycephalic comes from the Greek words brachy, meaning “short” and cephalic, meaning “head.” Brachycephalic dog breeds have flat faces with shortened muzzles. Unfortunately, the shortened muzzles and snouts often mean that the throat and breathing passages are also undersized or flattened. The term Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, or BOAS, refers to multiple anatomic abnormalities that can lead to breathing difficulties and other health problems for these dogs. As many as six anatomic abnormalities make up BOAS. Not all dogs have all six abnormalities, but the more a dog has, the greater their clinical signs. The table below lists the medical names for the abnormalities followed by their definition. Anatomic Abnormality Definition Stenotic nares Nose holes are too narrow or collapse inward during inhalation Extended nasopharyngeal turbinates Air filtering bones inside the nose extend into the back of the throat Elongated soft palate Roof of the mouth is too long Laryngeal collapse Voice box collapses, making air passage difficult Hypoplastic trachea Windpipe is too narrow for the dog’s size Everted laryngeal saccules Pouches inside the voice box turn inside out and block airflow All of these anatomic abnormalities lead to a decrease in air flow in and out of the lungs. The abnormalities associated with BOAS cause affected dogs to easily overheat because they cannot effectively cool themselves through panting. Stress, anesthesia, and exercise are also difficult for these dogs. Finally, dogs with BOAS often have lower blood oxygen levels as compared to non-brachycephalic breeds.