Adding a new furry family member can be very exciting! Whether you have just considered a new pet or are committed to the idea of bringing another one into your home, this is a very important decision that can use some expert tips.

If two animals are expected to share a home, you need to ensure that they will get along with each other. The first introductions are very important. After all, you wouldn’t like signing up for a roommate without never having met them, and it’s the same for your dog. Don’t forget the humans, too; before you being a new pet home, it’s essential that you consult everyone who lives with you. That might seem like common sense, but it’s another important step. 

Determining how your dog feels about their new friend may seem difficult - after all, your dog can’t sit down and tell you how he feels. But if you’re observant and make the introduction carefully, you can figure out how your current pet feels, and help the introduction go as smoothly as possible.

Initial introductions between dogs have to be done gradually. If you’re getting a new dog, try having him meet your current dog in a park or another neutral area. If adding a cat to a family with dogs, make sure your dog can see you bring the carrier in, then supervise a meeting in a controlled, safe room. You may want to place the cat in a sepeate room with the door closed while he or she gets used to all the noises, smells and atmosphere of the house. Your cat can sense and smell your dog under the door. When you do finally introduce the two – I strongly recommend keeping your dog on a leash during this first few meetings in case they decide to chase after the cat.

The purpose of this initial meeting is, of course, to gauge how both animals react to each other. It is very important to watch your dog especially closely for signs of aggression. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

Fur standing up on the back of the neck

Low growling

Curled lips, exposing teeth

Direct staring

Pricked ears

If your dog displays these symptoms, your dog may be determining whether the new animal is a friend or foe. Keep the two pets a safe distance away from each other and if the behavior continues, separate them.

More often, though, your dog will simply be curious and cautious when meeting his new friend. Sniffing and slowly checking each other out is normal, and it may take the two a while to get used to each other. There may be some brief instances of barking or play-growling as the animals test the other’s boundaries, but this is a normal part of canine interactions.

At the end of the introduction you may be in a position to determine whether the two animals get along. Did they seem relatively friendly and playful toward each other? Did either animal appear scared or overly stressed? If the general reaction was a calm and peaceful one, you are on the right track with your new companion.

Believe it or not, some dogs experience discomfort and frustration every winter because of their fur and skin. The cold, dry air of winter can give your dog flaky, rough, painful skin. This in turn can lead to everything from a dull coat to scratching and even hot spots or skin lesions.

Your dog doesn't have to summer just because of the weather. Stop winter in its tracks by taking some time to prepare your dog for the season. Today I'd like to share some tips that can help alleviate these symptoms.

First things first, remember that a major factor in irritated skin is dry winter air. As soon as temperatures start dropping, a humidifier can help prevent symptoms. (As a bonus, this can also help protect the humans in the household from similar problems.

But what about times like now, when it's already in the middle of winter? Is it too late to help? Don't worry, your dog isn't doomed to suffer for the next several months. You can help him right now too! Keep these things in mind if your dog has dry, itchy skin:

Rule out health problems: Even though flaky skin and a dry coat are common during winter, they can also indicate a more serious health problem. If you notice these symptoms, the first step should be to have your vet rule out any medical issue.

Bundle up for walks: Some dog owners dress up their dogs for fun, but during the winter months your pooch will actually benefit from wearing a coat during walks. This will not only keep him warm, it will also protect him from the effects of the dry frigid air. This is especially important during windy days when wind chill significantly increases the risk of frostbite.

Groom regularly: How frequently do you brush your dog? If your answer is “not often,” it's a good idea to start grooming your dog more. Brushing your dog's fur stimulates the production of the very oils that keep your dog's skin moisturized. It also evenly distributes those oils throughout his coat, leaving it shiny and healthy. Be careful though; more grooming does not mean more bathing! Frequent baths wash away the same healthy oils that help your dog's skin stay healthy, so don't bathe your dog more than once a week unless recommended by your vet.

Rethink their diet: One of the most common causes for dry skin is something most people don't consider: their dog's diet. Poor nutrition can lead to a dull coat and dry skin. You might think your dog is eating right, but poor skin is one very big sign that their diet needs an update. Make sure that your dog is getting a diet rich in proteins, fatty acids, and other nutritional needs. Consider switching to an all-natural dog food that will provide your dog with all that they need to be healthy.

Seizures in Dogs

 

A seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive firing of nerves in the brain. It results in a series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles, abnormal sensations, abnormal behaviors, or some combination of these events. A seizure can last from seconds to minutes.

Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons including:

Low blood glucose (sugar)

Liver disease (called "hepatic encephalopathy")

Inflammatory or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system

Poisons or toxins

Brain tumor

Head trauma

Blood vessel disorders that affect circulation to the brain

Congenital problems

Always call or see your veterinarian if you witness your dog having a seizure.

Consider Pet Insurance

Just when you think you know a dog, they go off and do something you don't expect….like barking their head off, growling at someone they know, or bolting out an open door. They'll suddenly begin chasing a dog when they have never shown any interest before. They'll go after a motorcycle driving down the street when they normally ignore them, or run outside after another dog when the door was opened a crack.

Seriously…it's enough to drive you mad! I'm not kidding-- the more dogs I meet and get to know, the more I think that there's something unpredictable about every one of them.

Well, as chance would have it, a dog I know named Miley just had one of those incidents that was completely unexpected.

Poor Miley was one of those dogs who acted in an unexpected way which resulted in her being hit by a car. At the time she was 5 months old, a real cutie pie of a Chocolate Lab. Unfortunately being cute didn't stop her from getting hurt. She shot out of an open door into traffic and an oncoming car just couldn't stop quickly enough.

Following her accident Miley suffered from pulmonary contusions (lung bruises) which can often be VERY dangerous. She also received a fracture to her left scapula (shoulder blade). Little Miley spent a week at the veterinarian receiving treatment, medications, and being monitored for further complications.

Can you imagine how scary that incident must have been, both for Miley and her owners? Even worse must have been the worrying about cost.

 

  dogs become upset when they are left home alone for any period of time.

That's a common problem - in fact, it's so common that it even has a name: “separation anxiety.”

I've heard of lots of creative ways to ease your pets' stress, like leaving the TV or radio on for "company" when they are home alone. Unfortunately, that could actually be doing more harm than good. Studies have suggested that TV and radio can actually CREATE stress for our pets because of the drastic changes in programming and the random mix of musical styles.

Think about it - how scared would you be if you suddenly heard gunshots, sirens, or dogs barking?

The TV and radio certainly create "noise," but they don't necessarily create a relaxed environment.

Dog owners sometime ask me, “Does music soothe pets the same way it can relax people?" The answer is "yes" - but it depends on the music.

Studies have been done to examine the relationship between music and stress, and some of the results might surprise you. All music is not the same…and neither is the effect on animals. Classical harp music is used around the world to help alleviate stress in dogs, cats, chimpanzees and other animals. Even animal shelters are installing sound systems and using music to create a more serene environment.

In particular, studies show that dogs and cats seem to show lower levels of stress when exposed to classical music. Cats will relax in front of the speakers when classical music is playing, and many dogs will actually bark less

Ms. Witcher,” the surgical oncologist said after examining the results, “there’s a mass in your right breast. We can give you a breath test to learn more.” All I had to do was puff air into a small cylindrical tube. The organic compounds in my breath were then tested in a lab. I had stage three breast cancer.


The reality of my situation slowly began to sink in. I had to start treatment right away. Thank goodness for that mammogram!


Then I remembered why I got it: Floyd Henry had been trying to alert me to the danger he’d smelled on my breath. He had even tried to show me exactly where the tumor was when he bumped me.


After my first treatment, Floyd Henry greeted me at the door. Like usual, he snorted and huffed at my face. But this time I thanked him. “You’re a good boy, Floyd Henry. A good boy, and an angel.”

.

One year of chemotherapy and radiation shrunk the tumor so that my surgeon could remove it. Throughout treatment, Floyd Henry was at my side. I’ve now been cancer-free for more than three years. My tumor was detected in time for treatment— thanks to the newspaper ad I couldn’t ignore.


We’re all put on this earth for a reason. Floyd Henry was put here to save my life.

Toys aren't a luxury when it comes to your dog. They're an absolute necessity. They not only prevent boredom (and the negative behaviors that can arise when dogs are bored), they also stimulate their brains and trigger dogs' natural “play drive.”

But which toys are best, you ask?

When choosing safe and fun toys, you should consider the size of your dog, his or her activity level, breed, tendencies, and preferences. For example, you wouldn't want to purchase an easy-to-tear-apart plush toy for an aggressive chewer, a huge chew toy for a tiny teacup, or a bite-size ball for a large breed.

In addition to being the right type of toy to suit your pet, your new toy needs to be safe as well as being durable and fun. Please keep in mind that no toy is truly indestructible but some are more durable and sturdier than others. You should always supervise your dog at play with any toys.

The best toys are often interactive. These types of toys allow both you AND your dog to play with the same toy together. What's more, toys that present an element of surprise or give your dog's brain a workout are especially beneficial.

Please keep the following tips in mind when choosing toys:

1. First, dog-proof your home and get rid of dangerous items that dogs can mistake for toys. Remove or keep the following in a safe place away from your dog: string, ribbon, rubber bands, children's toys, pantyhose and anything small that can be ingested.

2. Toys should always be the appropriate size for your pet. Balls and other items that are too small can be choking hazards. Pay special attention to any pieces which could be chewed off and inhaled or swallowed.

3. Small pieces of rawhide can be chewed off and become lodged in a dog's throat or damage their mouth. It is best to avoid it altogether.

4. Be especially cautious of items with squeakers; many dogs will try to chew them out of toys.

5. Avoid toys with fillings that can harm your dog, including nutshells and polystyrene beads.

6. Keep a variety of toys available for your dog to access. If you dog has a favorite “baby,” you may want to leave it out all the time.

7. Interactive toys are important for providing quality active “people time,” which not only engages your dog but helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Playing also reduces stress and boredom. The opportunity to interact also helps dogs develop better socialization skills and learn appropriate behavior.

Overwhelmed in the search for a great new dog toy? The following types of toys are a good place to start: chewing-resistant rubber or plastic toys, rope toys with knotted ends, “puzzle toys,” plush animals (great for cuddling) and toys with hidden areas for treats. These are perennial favorites with dogs around the world.

 The other night I was talking to a new veterinarian. Her name is Emily and she had just graduated from veterinary school a month or so ago. I asked her how she liked her first job as a fully qualified vet, and what she thought of her chosen profession.

Well, she started crying. Not just a few sniffles either but emotional sobbing. I was speechless. I thought I had done something wrong!

Emily explained that she had had a rough day (a rough couple weeks, to be honest) and that being a vet was posing some unexpected challenges. She was really having a hard time dealing with the fact that she couldn't do everything possible for every pet. Not every pet owner could afford to follow the very best treatment plan. That day alone she had had to put two pets to sleep because their owners could not afford their care.

I invited her to have a cup of coffee and talk about it. She got out some of her frustrations and finally started feeling better. Emily's experience reminded me of how difficult being a veterinarian really is – even for those who have been doing it for ages.

When a pet is in my care I've learned to give their owners different treatment options. When I train new vets I teach them to offer these 3 options as well.

The top option – offer the very best thing to help the pet. This is the treatment plan with the best prognosis for a fast recovery and usually the most expensive.

Offer the next best choice - this plan enables the doctor to treat the pet but it might be slower, more labor-intensive, or less reliable than the best option. This option is typically less expensive as well. It often consists of skipping diagnostic tests to cut costs or creating a treatment plan that allows the pet to go home and avoid costly boarding fees.

Minimal care - this option is the bare minimum treatment only and typically does not have a great prognosis. We vets don't like having to use this treatment plan because it usually has the lowest chance of recovery. The only reason to do it is to cut costs and give the owners an option they can afford while also giving the pet a chance for recovery. This option may not be enough to save the pet but is sometimes the best the owner can do.

Euthanasia - in some sad cases, there is simply nothing that the owners can do. Their pet needs medical care and they cannot afford even the minimum level of treatment. Unfortunately this happens more than we would like to think about. The owners are heartbroken and I'll be honest, it's very emotionally exhausting for the staff as well. You don't know how many pets I've euthanized (and cried over). I've seen this really take its toll on my staff – leading to depression and frustration. I think this is what was happening with Emily.

What I just said might be hard to think about, but it's a real insight into life behind the scenes at a veterinary practice. The day-to-day workings of a clinic aren't glamorous but this is the truth

Massage Therapy for Dogs

 

Holistic medicine, including massage, is a very controversial subject. There are passionate opinions on both sides. Opponents claim that if "alternative" treatments really worked, they would be more widely accepted and many illnesses and ailments would have been cured long ago.

Proponents feel that holistic treatments provide a more "natural" way to heal the body. Many times, "alternative" treatments are used to augment more traditional treatments and are not commonly used as the only treatment

Massage

Massage has had a noted function in our society for thousands of years. The soothing sensation of touch and the manipulation of muscles has shown a benefit for humans and for animals. The known benefits from a massage include:

• An increased overall sense of wellness

• A general sense of calming and reduction of stress

• Increased flexibility and movement

• Pain reduction or relief of pain

• Decreased recovery time from surgery or trauma

• Increased circulation of the blood, lymphatic and nervous systems

• Removal of toxins from the body and its organs

       

Massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. If it is performed by a trained and certified person, it works with the individual needs of the pet along with veterinary-recommended treatments. Sometimes the massage therapist may even detect subtle underlying problems that may prompt a visit to your veterinarian.

Despite the many positive aspects of massage, there are some situations in which it may not be an appropriate treatment. Animals suffering from fever, shock, infection, open wounds, rashes, lumps and immune disease typically do not benefit from massage, and taking time to perform a massage will delay much needed veterinary care. A certified practitioner of animal massage is trained in anatomy, movement and observation and may decline to proceed with a massage treatment if the health of the patient is at risk.

The massage practitioner first observes the pet's gait and movement, demeanor, reactions and body language. The information obtained from this observation will help determine the type of massage. As the massage session proceeds, the practitioner will note positive and negative results and reaction to therapy. This will help the practitioner to modify and change the choreographed massage as needed by your pet. The average massage session is 30 minutes.

Massage involves applying pressure to specific parts of the body. The amount of pressure used will vary from five grams to five pounds and depends on the size of the pet, needs of the pet and the type of injury. The muscles will respond and allow manipulation only if the pet is comfortable and the touch is light and gentle. A firm, harsh, controlling touch is counterproductive. For this reason, massage is different than the normal everyday way we pet our animals.

Various Techniques

Massage is divided into different techniques based on the systems it affects. The circulatory system responds to the stroking. The muscles and skin respond to kneeding, passive joint movement and stretching. The nervous system benefits by passive touch and stroking. The massage therapist will evaluate the animal and determine which technique is best suited for the pet. That technique is then performed three times. The direction of application varies. Sometimes it is toward and away from the heart. Other times it is with the muscle fibers, across the muscle fibers or circular in motion.

•Efflurage is the movement of blood. Rotary, one-hand and hand-over-hand efflurage increases circulation, flushes the tissue and warms the tissue. This is used to open and close a massage and is used from head to tail, over the entire body, down the outside limb and up the inside of the limbs.

•Passive touch requires no pressure or movement of your hands. The hand is held in place for 30 to 90 seconds to warm the tissue and calm the animal. This is used at any time during the massage.

•Kneading techniques can be superficial or deep. Superficial kneading, which is skin rolling and pinching, stimulate the skin and hair coat. It increases circulation and flow. Deep kneading affects the muscle fibers. It is applied directly to the muscle not to the bone. This brings blood and nutrients to the belly of the muscle. It releases toxins and muscle spasms. The different techniques are compression, digital kneading, finger stripping, chucking (one- and two-handed) petrissage, cross-fiber friction, angel wing (one handed or two finger), V-spread (one handed, finger/thumb) and sifting.

•Tapotement stimulates and enlivens the animal. These techniques are never to be used on an animal with a history of abuse. Cupping is used on the chest area and loosens mucus within the lungs. Hacking is used on large muscle areas, not on the spine. Tapping may be used over the body and head. Brushing is used on all muscle groups. These are applied three times only, for 30 seconds or less. The placement of the hand is light, quick and never finishes on the animal. The last stroke should land in the air.

•Stroking is used to calm and quiet the animal. This is a closing technique, and is applied very lightly and slowly.

•Passive joint movement and stretching is a range of motion physical therapy for the moveable joints. Positioning is important. Misuse could cause trauma to the joint and tissue.

Acupuncture

The use of many holistic treatments now compliments conventional medicine available for your pet. Acupuncture and related therapies used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine have not only become routinely used by western

physicians but veterinary practitioners as well. Acupuncture is being used more frequently to help manage chronic pain and illnesses in dogs and cats. A variety of conditions may respond to the use of acupuncture either as a primary treatment or in combination with conventional medicine.

Common Reasons for Treatment

The most common reason acupuncture is sought for a pet is for pain control. Pain associated with osteoarthritis, muscle spasms and degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease can negatively influence the quality of your pet's life. There is a genetic tendency toward the development of many of these problems in certain breeds. Also, as pets age, arthritis can affect the elbows, knees, hips and spine. This can cause pain, swelling and limited range of motion making it hard for your pet to lay or walk comfortably. Even urination and defecation can become uncomfortable, as squatting may be painful. Other conditions treated with acupuncture include allergies, chronic kidney disease, digestive disturbances, epilepsy, cancer and some skin problems.

In addition, many people have ethical and moral objections to the ingredients used in commercial foods. They want to eliminate the use of animals as food sources, so they feed themselves and their pets vegetarian diets.

A vegetarian diet for dogs, which are omnivores, is possible. On the other hand, cats cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet. If you are considering preparing your pet's food at home, ask your veterinarian for recipes that give proper balance of nutrients and instructions for preparing and storing it safely.

There is also the general feeling that a home cooked meal is just better. Ingredients, preparation and freshness can be controlled when the diet is made at home. But it takes careful research to balance a home cooked meal with the necessary amounts of nutrients. There are many components to producing a well-balanced diet for your pet with regard to primary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A common feeling is that if vitamins and minerals are helpful in small amounts, then large amounts must be better. Caution must be used here since overdoses of vitamins can cause serious illness.

An overdose of vitamin A can cause bone disease; large doses of vitamin C can cause stomach upsets; imbalances of vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium can lead to bone demineralization. If you include raw meats in the diet, bacterial contamination becomes a concern. The same goes for raw eggs. Raw eggs also contain a protein that interferes with the absorption of B vitamins.

Acupuncture, Acupressure, Chiropractic and Massage

Used as additions to pain relief and management of chronic conditions, acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic can be extremely beneficial in making your pet more comfortable. Massage can be very helpful in helping rehabilitate injury and increasing range of motion. The biggest concern for this growing area of veterinary medicine is making sure you have qualified professionals who have completed recognized courses of study in the treatment of animal diseases. None of these procedures should be performed by novices.

Before beginning any health care program, talk to your pet's veterinarian. Many clinics are incorporating these strategies into your pet's total health care picture. It is unwise to go to your local health store and buy a variety of herbs and supplements to add to your pet's regimen without this consultation. Any illness or sudden change in your pet's behavior should have a medical check up before initiating any treatments, herbal or otherwise