Why Do Dogs Like to Chew?

Dogs chew for many reasons, and most of them are entirely instinctive. Figuring out the root cause of your dog’s chewing habits can help you address the behavior more effectively.

Here are some of the reasons why dogs like to chew:

• Teething Troubles: Puppies chew to soothe sore gums while their adult teeth grow in.
• Boredom: Dogs need mental stimulation, and chewing often serves as entertainment.
• Stress Relief: Anxious or stressed dogs find chewing soothing, much like a fidget toy helps humans.
• Exploration: Dogs experience the world through their mouths. If it’s new, it’s chewable.

How to Keep Your Dog from Chewing Stuff You Don’t Want Them to Chew

If you’re asking, “How do I stop my dog from chewing everything in sight?” don’t worry. There are several strategies to curb this behavior

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Dogs need an outlet for their chewing urges. If you’re unsure what to get, stock up on durable chew toys designed for heavy chewers. Your veterinarian can recommend safe, long-lasting options. 

2. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Dog-proofing is a lot like baby-proofing. Keep shoes, remote controls, electrical cords, and anything that might be dangerous out of reach. During a puppy’s teething phase, this precaution is especially important. 

3. Exercise Is Key

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Regular walks, games of fetch, or trips to the dog park can help burn off excess energy that might otherwise be channeled into destructive chewing.

4. Offer Mental Stimulation

Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and training exercises are excellent ways to keep your dog’s mind engaged. Obedience training also reinforces good behavior and builds a stronger bond between you and your dog. 

5. Redirect Their Chewing

If you catch your dog in the act of chewing on something inappropriate, calmly take it away and give them a chew toy instead. Praise them when they use the right item to reinforce good habits.

6. Try Deterrents

Dog-safe sprays with unpleasant tastes (like bitter apple) can make some items less appealing to chew.

7. Address Anxiety Issues

If your dog chews out of stress, trying things like soothing music, pheromone sprays, or crate training can help. In severe cases, consult your veterinarian for advice on managing dog anxiety. 

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s destructive chewing persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek help from your veterinarian or a professional trainer. Persistent chewing could be a sign of deeper issues, such as separation anxiety or a health condition that needs attention. 

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Just like you can teach a dog not to jump on people, you can teach them to chew responsibly. 

Compassionate Care for Every Dog

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we understand how frustrating destructive chewing can be, but we also know it’s a behavior you can manage. If you’re struggling to figure out how to stop your dog from chewing on things, or you have questions about behavior training, we’re here to help. To schedule a consultation, send us a message or call us at 480-497-0505 today. Let’s work together to keep your dog happy and healthy!

Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/4/25.

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Adopting a puppy can bring a lot of joy into your family, but it’s also a big commitment. Puppy care comes with many responsibilities, like potty training and taking them to the vet for vaccinations. Do your kids understand what they’re asking for? How do you know if they’re ready for their first puppy? Our vets share a few tips that will help you make a rational decision.

Explain the Responsibilities of Adopting a Puppy

Before you bring a new puppy home, make sure your kids understand the basics of pet care. Are they ready to commit to multiple daily walks, picking up poop, washing their pet’s food bowls, and using treats only for training? Do they understand how important it is not to share their own food with a puppy? Do they know that puppies need to stay away from places like pet stores and dog parks until they’re fully vaccinated? Puppies are a lot of fun, but they can be a lot of work as well.

Make Sure You Have Time for Training

Puppies need a lot of attention, playtime, and snuggles, so adopting over the holidays can be a good way to find that extra time. But if you’re all headed back to work and school after New Year’s, your new puppy is going to be very lonely. They might turn to destructive behaviors, like chewing up your kids’ toys if they’re left alone all day long. It will also take them a lot longer to learn where to go potty if no one is around to take them outside every couple of hours.

Schedule Your Puppy’s First Vaccinations

If you do decide to adopt a puppy, it’s a good idea to schedule their first checkup before you even bring them home. The sooner they can get started on their first round of vaccinations, the sooner they can safely interact with other dogs. Your vet will also want to discuss things like spaying or neutering when your puppy gets older, and giving them a microchip ID just in case they ever get lost. It’s also a good time for your kids to ask questions about puppy care! Our vets are always happy to recommend the best training methods, food and toys, or dog parks in the area.  

Get the Best Veterinary Care in Gilbert, Arizona

Adopting a new puppy is always an exciting time, especially when it happens over the holidays! If your kids have been asking for a puppy for Christmas, and you’re willing to make the commitment, many shelters are offering reduced adoption rates for the holidays. If you’re ready to open your home (and your hearts) to a puppy, adopting from a shelter can make a big difference.

There are many ways that kids can benefit from caring for a pet, just make sure your family is ready for the responsibility before you go ahead with adopting a puppy. If you have any questions about puppy care or want to schedule a first checkup, the team at Anasazi Animal Clinic is here for you!

Photo by Tatjana Dimovska on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/1/24.

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What to Expect at Your Puppy’s First Checkup

1: Physical Exam

During a physical exam, your vet will record your puppy’s weight and take their temperature. Then they’ll examine your puppy from nose to tail. They will listen to your puppy’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and gently press on their belly and lymph nodes. They will look closely at your puppy’s teeth, eyes, ears, nose, paws, and genitals to check for signs of illness or disease. They will also stretch your puppy’s legs and observe the way they move around.

Your vet might also ask you to bring a fresh stool sample so they can test for parasites like roundworms, which are common in puppies. If the lab finds evidence of parasites, your vet will prescribe a deworming medication and advise you to keep your puppy away from other pets (and children) until they have recovered.

2: DAPP Core Vaccines

If your puppy is old enough, they can also get their first round of core vaccinations. If they are still too young, then your vet will discuss the vaccines coming up and schedule your next appointment. Puppies will need to visit the vet for vaccinations three times during their first year. They get their first dose at around six to eight weeks of age, and their second and third doses over the course of the next two months. 

It’s important to keep your puppy away from other dogs—including pet stores and dog parks—until they have completed their third round of vaccinations. Although the DAPP core vaccines will protect them from deadly diseases like parvovirus, the vaccine won’t be fully effective until after the final dose. 

3: Microchipping

If you adopted your puppy from a rescue or shelter, they probably already have a microchip ID. If you’re not sure whether your puppy has one, your vet can scan them to check. Pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their owners if they ever get lost. If your puppy does not have a microchip yet, your vet can give them one at their first checkup. 

A microchip ID is a tiny device, smaller than a grain of rice, that’s injected under your puppy’s skin. It’s a lot like a barcode—it links your pet’s ID number to your contact information in an online database. You’ll need to log in to the database to update your info if you ever move to a new address or get a new phone number.

4: Q & A with Your Vet

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we always schedule plenty of time at your puppy’s first visit (and every visit!) for you to ask as many questions as you want. Raising a puppy is a big responsibility, and we want to make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge to handle any situation.

We can answer questions about how much and how often to feed your puppy, how to recognize symptoms of illness, and what to expect in your puppy’s first year. From the best ways to puppy-proof your house, to leash training and potty training, or how to get your puppy to let you brush their teeth, we’re here to help. 

We’ll also discuss the advantages of spaying or neutering your pet, and the best age to perform the operation. And if you have any concerns about the safety of puppy vaccinations or microchipping, we’d be glad to put your mind at ease.

Book Your Puppy’s First Checkup at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert

A veterinary examination is one of the first things every puppy needs. If you live in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet you and your new pet! To make an appointment, please send us a message or give us a call at 480-497-0505 today. 

Photo by Lydia Torrey on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 7/30/2024.

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The only way to prevent parvovirus is with a full round of vaccinations. Although there is treatment available for infected puppies, chances of survival are still very low. Let’s go over how to prevent parvo exposure so you can keep your puppy safe. 

Puppies and Parvovirus: Risks, Prevention, and Treatment

Dogs infected with parvovirus suffer from severe vomiting and diarrhea that lead to dehydration, septic shock, and sometimes even death. First, the virus targets the white blood cells and weakens the immune system. Next, it attacks the lining of the small intestine, and inhibits the ability to absorb nutrients and fluids. In puppies, the virus is even more deadly, because it can infect their hearts. 

How Do Puppies Get Parvo?

Because this disease is so highly contagious, it can be transmitted very easily. It can spread through direct contact with an infected dog, their feces, or any contaminated surface. Puppies can get parvo by drinking from the same water dish as an infected dog, or from stepping on contaminated grass. 

Any dogs that show symptoms of parvovirus should be quarantined away from other dogs. Your veterinarian will probably ask for a stool sample to confirm a parvo diagnosis. Early signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. Symptoms will then progress to severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. If your puppy has vomiting and diarrhea, it might not be parvo, but you should still contact your vet right away.

Parvovirus Can Be Prevented with Puppy Vaccinations

The parvovirus vaccine is included in the DAPP vaccine group. Your puppy can get their first dose at around 6-8 weeks old, and then they’ll need two more doses over the next 4-8 weeks. After the third does, it should be safe for them to encounter other dogs. But they’ll need a booster dose one year later, and every three years after that.

What Is the Treatment for Parvovirus?

The treatment for parvovirus will depend on the severity of the infection. Your puppy might have to stay in the animal hospital for a few days. If they have had severe vomiting and diarrhea, they may need an IV to replenish lost nutrients and fluids. 

Other treatments like blood transfusions, medications to control nausea and pain, and antibiotics to fight off infections may also be necessary. The earlier you seek treatment, the better—early intervention will increase your puppy’s chances of survival.

How to Keep Your Puppy Safe

• Make sure your puppy gets all their vaccinations on time.
• Wait until your puppy has been fully vaccinated before bringing them to dog parks, pet stores, kennels, doggy daycare, obedience classes, or anywhere they might encounter other dogs.
• Practice potty training and leash training at home at first, so they won’t get exposed to contagious diseases.
• Never let your puppy drink from another dog’s dish or eat from another dog’s bowl. Bring your own water bowl from home when walking, hiking, and exploring with your dog—a collapsible one is convenient and easy to carry or clip onto a backpack.

Puppy Vaccinations in Gilbert, Arizona

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we’re passionate about preventing the spread of deadly diseases like parvovirus. Vaccinating your pet is the best way to keep them healthy and make sure they live a long, happy life. 

No matter what happens, we’re here for you. Whether you need to start your puppy on their first round of vaccinations, or you’re worried that they might have been exposed to parvo before their vaccinations are complete, we can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment or give us a call if your puppy needs urgent care.

Photo by Joel J. Martínez on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/13/2024.

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Puppy Training Basics: How to Teach Good Behavior

Potty Training

The first thing all puppies need to start learning is where to poop and pee. Puppies need to pee a lot—their bladders do not reach full capacity until after they are a year old. Start by watching for signs that your puppy needs to pee, like whimpering, sniffing, fidgeting, or circling. Then take your puppy to the designated spot. Alternatively, you can take them every hour to the spot and use a cue word to let the puppy know that it’s time to go.

You can teach them to do their business outside, or you can start with a “pee pad” indoors. If you adopt during the summer, you might want to start training indoors. In Arizona, it can often be too hot outside for a puppy’s sensitive paws. Test the temperature of the sidewalk with your own feet or hands before letting your puppy outside. 

Accidents are bound to happen, but if your puppy goes potty inside, don’t get upset. Never scold a puppy for having an accident. This will only make them feel scared or confused, and potty training will take even longer. Calmly clean up the mess, and give your puppy a reward the next time they go potty in the right place. Clean the area with a pet-safe, odor-neutralizing sanitizer, so the puppy won’t smell the pee and get the urge to use the wrong spot again.

Leash Training

Puppies can start learning to walk with a leash as soon as they are seven or eight weeks old. Starting early will make going for walks much easier in the future, when they are bigger and stronger. 

A leash will also keep your puppy safe—it’s a big world out there, and a leash keeps them close by so you can stop them from drinking out of shared water bowls and prevent them from running up to bigger dogs. In fact, you may want to keep your puppy at home until they are fully vaccinated. They might encounter a contagious disease if you take them walking in public places.

Make sure you have a collar or harness that fits your puppy, and a leash that’s long enough to leave some slack for comfort. (We don’t recommend using retractable leashes until a puppy has mastered leash training, because they might get too far away, or get tangled up and trip.) Bring your poop bags and some treats or kibble as well, for training purposes.

Always be aware of your environment, and make sure you’re giving your puppy your full attention. Let your puppy lead the way at first. Let them stop and sniff as often as they need to. But if they try to pull away, stop and call them back to you. When they come, give them a treat. Walks are a good time for training your puppy to sit, stay, and come on command. 

Basic Commands

“Sit” will probably be the first command your puppy needs to learn. You can practice when you’re out on walks. When you approach a crosswalk, tell them to sit. Gently press on their haunches to demonstrate what you want them to do. After they sit down, say “OK” before you cross the street.

Your puppy also needs to learn a recall command, like “Come!” or “Here!” Learning to come when you call them is going to help keep your puppy out of danger. “Leave it!” or “Drop it!” is another important command for your puppy to know. If they ever get into the trash or find something interesting (but gross) on the sidewalk, you don’t want them to eat it. This command can also help if they’re chewing on something they shouldn’t be, like your favorite pair of running shoes. 

Crate Training 

If you have small children or other pets at home you might want to try crate training. A cozy crate with a soft bed and a little food and water is the perfect place for a puppy to feel safe. Just remember that puppies can’t stay in a crate as long as full-grown dogs. They’ll need to come out to pee at least once every three or four hours—even during the night, so it’s best to put their crate in your bedroom.

If you want to try crate training, the Humane Society has an excellent resource page about it.

Treat Training vs. Clicker Training

Most dogs respond well to food, and using treats to reward a desired behavior is an effective training method. However, too many treats can make your puppy’s tummy upset, or teach them to expect a constant treat supply when they get older. Instead, you can simply use pieces of your puppy’s kibble. They’ll be so excited about food that they won’t care what it tastes like. You can also use cut-up carrots, celery, broccoli, or asparagus if you want to avoid buying processed dog treats.

Clicker training can make treat training even more effective. After your puppy successfully performs a “sit” or pees in the grass instead of on your front steps, you click the clicker, and then reward them with a snack. It takes the confusion of learning the difference between “good potty!” or “good sit!”—all they have to remember is that a clicky sound means they get a treat. It also helps them pay more attention to their good behavior, without getting immediately distracted by food.

Puppy Training Tips

• Keep training consistent. Whatever you decide to teach your puppy first, don’t switch your methods up, or they might get confused. And try to stick to a regular training schedule. Dogs like predictability, and they function best when the same things happen at the same time every day. 
• Keep it short. Start with quick training sessions of five to ten minutes, especially if your puppy is very young. As their attention span grows, you can increase training sessions to fifteen minutes. Once they master the basics, like sit and stay, you can start teaching them more advanced commands, tricks, and games like fetch.
• Never give up! If it seems like training is taking forever, remember that every puppy is different, and some learn faster than others. Be patient with your puppy, and don’t get frustrated. Keep your voice calm and steady, even if they don’t listen or when they’re in trouble for chewing up your shoes. Eventually, if you stick with them, your new puppy will figure things out.

Bring Your New Puppy to Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert

If you just got a new puppy, we’d love to meet them! Puppies need a lot of care, and we can help your pup grow up into a strong, healthy dog. We can answer all of your questions about how to train your puppy, what to feed them, what vaccinations they might need, and whether or not to spay or neuter. 

To schedule an appointment for a new pet checkup, call us at 480-497-0505 or send us a message online.

Photo by Austin Kirk on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/10/2024.

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What to Expect in the First Year with Your Puppy

Birth to 3 Weeks

Newborn puppies rely fully on their mother, and should not be separated from her for the first three weeks after their birth. Puppies don’t even open their eyes until they’re at least two weeks old! They also start learning to walk around this time—they will start to crawl around and navigate by their sense of smell until their hearing improves.

If you’re caring for a newborn puppy that’s been separated from its mother, you’ll need to bottle-feed every 3 to 4 hours. Talk to your vet about how to keep an orphaned newborn puppy healthy and the supplies you’ll need. 

1 to 2 Months

Once the puppy is four weeks old, you can start gradually weaning them off milk. The process takes several weeks and should not be rushed. Weaning too early or incorrectly can cause behavioral issues. 

Adopted puppies can go to new homes at around 7 to 8 weeks of age, as long as they have been fully weaned. If you’re bringing a new puppy home, make sure you puppy-proof your house beforehand, because they will be ready to explore. Keep hazardous items like electrical cords, plants, medications, cleaners, sharp objects, and toothpaste (which may contain xylitol) out of reach.

When do puppies get their first shots?

Puppies need to get their first shots when they’re around two months old, so make sure to ask for their vaccination records when you adopt. 

If your puppy hasn’t been vaccinated already, your vet may recommend any of the following puppy vaccinations:

• Rabies (this vaccine is required in many states, including Arizona)
• Canine distemper 
• Canine adenovirus types 1 and 2 (canine hepatitis)
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Leptospirosis
• CIV (canine influenza)

Your puppy will need booster shots every two to three weeks until they are 12-16 weeks old, and after that they’ll need booster shots every one to three years for protection. 

Even if your puppy has already been vaccinated, it’s still important to schedule a checkup. Puppies need wellness checks at around 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age to ensure that they grow up healthy.

3 to 4 Months

Did you know that dogs lose their baby teeth, just like children? Puppies start to experience this at around 12 weeks old and will chew more until all of their adult teeth have grown in at around six months. Provide your pup with plenty of chew toys to help relieve teething pain. 

The best time to start housetraining your puppy is during this stage, between 12 to 16 weeks of age. They will have trouble learning this any earlier, so make sure to have plenty of puppy pads around in the meantime. 

When potty training your puppy, be patient and give them frequent opportunities to go outside, especially after activities like waking up, playing, eating, or drinking.

Now is also a good time to start leash training and socializing your puppy so you can take them on regular walks. 

4 to 6 Months

Puppies start growing rapidly during this time, so they will be extra clumsy and full of energy. Always supervise puppy play, and don’t overdo it with exercise—too much might injure their growing bones and muscles. Call your vet right away if you notice any swelling, limping, weakness, depression, or other signs of distress in your puppy.

6 to 12 months

Your puppy will continue to be playful and full of personality throughout the end of their first year, and well into adulthood, too. Many dog breeds are considered adults when they turn one year old. However, some larger breeds are still considered puppies until they are a year and a half or two years old. Consult your veterinarian before transitioning your dog from puppy chow to adult dog food, to ensure that they’re getting the right nutrients. 

Bring Your New Puppy to Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert

Whether your puppy is due for vaccinations, a wellness check, or needs other services, our team would be happy to help. We love meeting puppies and want them all to grow up healthy and happy.

We offer a wide range of preventative services and treatments to keep your pup in the best of health. We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have about how to take care of a new puppy. Give us a call at 480-497-0505 today to schedule an appointment. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/7/2022). Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

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What are the first signs of pregnancy in a dog?

Dogs carry their puppies for a term of about 63 days. Like humans, a dog’s pregnancy includes three trimesters. However, with dogs, the trimesters only last 21 days each. On average, a dog usually carries between six to eight puppies at a time. 

Pregnant dogs may not show a lot of signs within the first few weeks. A few things to look for include: 

• Morning sickness vomiting
• Change or lack of appetite
• Slight weight gain
• Lack of energy
• Behavioral changes, such as a social dog wanting to be left alone or a shy dog who craves more attention

If you suspect your dog is pregnant, your best bet is to take her to a veterinarian for a full check-up. At the clinic, a veterinarian can confirm pregnancy through blood tests and an ultrasound. 

As the puppies grow, your dog may experience some other changes as well, including: 

• Enlarged belly
• Additional weight gain
• Increased appetite 
• Discolored and/or enlarged nipples
• Vaginal discharge
• “Nesting” behaviors such as shredding blankets and other fabrics to create a nest for her puppies. 

How do you take care of a pregnant dog?

Proper care for a pregnant dog means monitoring their diet and exercise. Knowing what to feed them and how much activity is healthy will help you care for your dog when she is pregnant. Here are some of our top care tips for dogs who are expecting. 

Increase Calories

A pregnant dog is eating for more than one! We recommend switching to a food with higher calories, fat, and nutrients to help keep your dog healthy and energized during pregnancy. If you ask us for suggestions, we can make a recommendation based on your dog’s specific needs. After the puppies come into the world, the new mom should continue with the same nutrient-rich diet while nursing. 

Keep Her Active

Although pregnant dogs may have lower energy, keeping them moving is still very important. Gentle exercise like short walks helps the mom-to-be’s body stay limber and strong. Try to avoid overstimulation and energetic activities after four weeks into the pregnancy. 

Be Careful about Flea Treatments and Vaccinations

Whenever possible, a dog should get all their vaccinations before becoming pregnant. We do not recommend that pregnant dogs receive vaccinations. And, while some flea treatments are usually okay for expecting dogs, always consult your veterinarian before using them. 

Pregnant Dog Care in Gilbert, Arizona

Helping your dog bring a litter of puppies into the world is a joyful, wondrous experience. Between the magic of nature and the cuteness overload, it’s something you will never forget. Your veterinarian plays a crucial role in managing your dog’s pregnancy and ensuring both mom and pups stay healthy. If you believe your dog might be pregnant, call Anasazi Animal Clinic at 480-497-0505.   

Photo by Andrew Kota from Pexels

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What Are Hookworms in Dogs?

Hookworms are a very common intestinal parasite. They get their name by the way their hook-like mouths latch on to the inner walls of the small intestine to feed off the blood vessels in its lining. 

There are three stages to hookworm development—egg, larvae, and adult. Adult hookworms lay their eggs inside a dog’s small intestine. The eggs pass through the dog’s feces, hatch into larvae, and contaminate any soil the feces land on. 

If a dog interacts with the contaminated feces or soil, they could ingest the larvae. If those larvae travel into the dog’s small intestine they will grow into adult hookworms and continue the cycle. 

How Do Dogs Get Hookworms?

Dogs can get hookworm infections by: 

• Eating feces or soil contaminated with larvae
• Lying on or walking on contaminated soil—hookworm larvae can burrow into a dog’s skin or paws, or a dog could ingest the larvae during grooming
• Eating an infected rodent or another small animal
• Dogs nursing puppies can pass the infection through their milk

What Are the Signs of Hookworms in Dogs? 

Symptoms of hookworms in dogs include: 

• Anemia
• Low energy/weakness
• Pale gums or other mucus membranes
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in feces
• Itchy paws

Hookworms can be especially hard on puppies as their natural immune systems have not yet been fully developed. 

And despite their very small size, because hookworms suck blood straight from the dog’s body, they can cause serious anemia if left untreated. This can be a serious complication for young puppies and older dogs. 

How Are Hookworm Infections Treated? 

Because hookworms are extremely small—only about 3 millimeters in size—they are impossible to detect in a dog’s feces. If you suspect that your puppy or adult dog has hookworms, the only way to know for sure is through testing by your veterinarian. The main treatment for hookworms is a deworming medication. The medication is administered in timed doses to kill the adult hookworms and any larvae currently affecting the dog. 

Puppies normally receive deworming treatment as part of their standard medical routine. Veterinarians administer hookworm treatments to puppies at two, four, six, and eight weeks of age. Nursing adult dogs are also treated in conjunction with their puppies. And, puppies should have their feces checked two to four times during their first year to make sure they are free of parasites.

Can I get hookworms from my dog?

Unfortunately, yes—hookworms from a dog can sometimes penetrate the skin of a human and infect them as well. This usually happens when walking barefoot outside on contaminated soil or from touching contaminated feces. The good news is that hookworms are just as treatable in humans as they are in dogs. If you are currently caring for a puppy or dog with hookworm, you should also schedule an appointment with your doctor to check for possible infection.

Dog Veterinarian in Gilbert AZ

Hookworms in dogs are a serious condition. When left untreated, they cause severe discomfort and suffering for adult dogs. They can also be extremely dangerous—and potentially deadly—to puppies. If you suspect your dog or puppy may have hookworms, contact Anasazi Animal Clinic today for our next available appointment. 

Photo by Nick Mundackal on Unsplash

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Anasazi Animal Clinic offers in-office ultrasounds to examine the organs in your dog’s abdomen. We perform ultrasounds as secondary imaging to radiographs. These two sources of data give us clearer insight as to what is happening within your dog’s reproductive system. 

Canine Brucellosis Causes and Symptoms

Canine Brucellosis is a disease caused by contact with infected birthing tissues and fluids such as placenta and discharge. If these fluids and tissues get on a surface such as a bed, floor, or clothing item, those items can be considered carriers. The blood and milk of infected dogs can also transmit the infection. 

This bacterial infection causes reproductive issues within dogs, including spontaneous abortions and infertility. If a female dog with the infection gives birth, the puppies may appear healthy, but they will still be infected. 

Besides reproductive issues, signs and symptoms of canine brucellosis include inflamed lymph nodes, eye disease, behavioral issues, spinal infection, lethargy, and weight loss. 

It is important to note that canine brucellosis is incurable. Relapses with this infection are very common. In a breeding situation, the infected pet must be removed from the breeding group for the sake of future puppies. Spaying and neutering your dogs can be considered a form of treatment, and medications are also available.

Schedule a Wellness Exam Today

Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert can provide treatment for canine brucellosis. Our ultrasounds and radiographs will reveal any issues with the reproductive system, and we will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan. We will provide blood tests and monitor your dog’s progress carefully throughout treatment. If you have questions about your dog’s reproductive habits, or about spaying or neutering your pet, please contact us to schedule an appointment. 

Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

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What Diseases Cause Shaking in Dogs?

Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Dogs may shake due to cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition caused by incomplete development of the cerebellum. This part of the brain is responsible for coordinating and regulating voluntary muscle movement. First seen in puppies learning to walk, symptoms include:

• Head bobbing
• Limb tremors that are aggravated by moving or eating but disappear during sleep
• Unsteadiness or clumsiness with a wide-based stance
• Inability to judge distance and disequilibrium which results in falling or flipping over

Shaker Syndrome

Also known as generalized tremor syndrome, shaker syndrome can be diagnosed in dogs of any size, breed, gender, or age. However, medical texts surmise that white-coated dogs are more likely to have shaker syndrome due to their size. 

Shaker syndrome is most common in younger and middle aged dogs versus older dogs.Symptoms include full body shakes that are tied to an inflamed central nervous system. However, the cause has not yet been fully determined.  

Shaking Puppy Syndrome

Shaking puppy syndrome, also known as hypomyelination, is hereditary or predisposed by breed. This central nervous system disease is caused by a lack of myelin production. Myelin is a fatty protective layer that surrounds each nerve. When this layer becomes too thin, nerve impulses become lost and go unregistered, causing malfunctions in coordination.

Typically occurring in puppies as young as 2 weeks old, shaking puppy syndrome will cause your puppy to shake, lose balance, and have trouble walking. If your puppy suffers from this condition, their legs may appear wider when they walk and they might struggle not to fall. 

Hypoadrenocorticism 

Also known as Addison’s disease, hypoadrenocorticism is an endocrine disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones. The adrenal glands produce steroids—particularly aldosterone and cortisol—that help regulate your dog’s sodium and potassium levels. 

Symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Alopecia
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Dehydration
• Shaking
• Weak pulse
• Irregular heart rate
• Low temperature
• Painful abdomen
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin

Hypocalcemia and Hypoglycemia

Hypocalcemia is caused by low calcium concentration, while hypoglycemia is caused by low blood sugar. With hypocalcemia, your dog can experience muscle trembling and seizures. With hypoglycemia, your dog can experience muscle twitching and seizures.

Distemper

Similar to the common cold in humans, which is spread via the air or direct contact, distemper in dogs is a highly contagious disease. Vaccinations are available that need to be boosted every year for puppies. In older dogs, the vaccination only needs to be boosted every three years. At Anasazi Animal Clinic, provide comprehensive care which includes up to date vaccines. 

This potentially lethal disease comes in stages. The first stage shows the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Clear nasal discharge
• Purulent eye discharge
• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord

Stage two produces neurological signs such as head tilt, seizures, and muscle twitching. Because this stage is fatal, if your dog has shown signs of a cold followed by tremors, it may be an emergency. Anasazi Animal Clinic’s emergency services involve a team of at least one veterinarian and several technicians. We have trained personnel on duty six days a week.

Schedule a Wellness Exam Today

When your puppy or dog starts to shake, make sure to rule out behavioral issues such as fear or anxiety before concluding that it is a physical reaction. Keeping your dog’s temperature regulated can also reduce shaking. 

At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we always treat your pets with loving care. If your dog is trembling consistently without reason, or trembling with accompanied symptoms, please contact us right away. We are committed to your pet’s health and safety above all else. 

Photo by Raphael Renter on Unsplash

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