How Do You Know When Your Dog Needs a Bath?

The occasional bath helps keep your dog’s fur and skin healthy. It also helps them smell a little sweeter. If your pup’s “doggy smell” is getting a bit strong, it’s probably time for a bath. Even if they don’t smell dirty, regular baths wash away environmental toxins, like lawn fertilizers, that dogs might encounter during their daily walks. Baths are also a good time to do an extra-thorough check for things like ticks and fleas. 

How often your dog needs a bath depends on the length of their coat, how much time they spend outside, how often you groom them, and whether your dog has sensitive skin. Dogs with long hair don’t need baths as often as short-haired dogs do. Dogs that spend their time splashing through puddles or rolling around in the dust at the dog park may need baths more often than a dog who exercises on sidewalks and city streets. 

If you’re grooming your pet on a regular basis, they might not need as many baths. Regular brushing will help keep your dog’s skin healthy and remove debris. Dogs with oily skin or long hair can benefit from daily brushing, but for most dogs, once a week is fine. If your dog has sensitive skin, eczema, or skin allergies, consult your vet about the best bathing practices.

What Kind of Shampoo Is Safe for Dogs?

It’s important to choose a pet-friendly shampoo when you wash your dog. Using your own shampoo on your dog is not a good idea. Some soaps and shampoos have harsh ingredients that could irritate a dog’s skin and eyes, or even cause an allergic reaction. 

At the very least, it could make their skin dry and flaky. Dogs have a different skin pH than humans, and our shampoos are formulated for use on human skin. If you can’t find dog shampoo, then baby shampoo is the next best option. It’s a little gentler, and has milder ingredients that are usually safe for dogs. 

Dog-Washing Tips for Beginners

1. Designate a few towels specifically for doggy bath time. Get set up with lots of towels, dog shampoo, and maybe a brush or nail trimmers. Consider keeping a few treats near the tub to reward your pet as you go.
2. Move all your bath products out of reach. Your dog probably won’t try to eat your bar of soap, but dogs are curious creatures, so put your soap and shampoo away. 
3. Get a “hair snare” or place steel wool in the bathtub or shower drain to catch the fur. Brush your dog’s fur out before their bath if you can. This will help prevent the hair from clogging your drain.
4. Make sure your dog’s fur is fully soaked before you add shampoo. Start lathering at the neck, then work your way back to the tail and down to the toes. However, save washing behind the ears until the end. Wet ears are sure to give your dog the urge to shake. And try to avoid getting water inside of your dog’s ears—if you do, use a pet-safe ear cleaner after their bath.
5. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Make sure to get all the suds out, to prevent skin irritation. And get them as dry as you can to make them more comfortable.
6. Give lots of praise and do something your dog loves after the bath. Your dog might need a little extra reassurance during the process, or a toy for comfort. When it’s all done, make sure to give them play time, a decompressing walk, or snuggles—whatever will make them happiest.
7. Let a professional do the work for you! If your dog is resisting bath time, why not take them to a groomer? They’ll give your dog a bath, comb out their fur, and even trim their nails.

Veterinary Care for Dogs in Gilbert, Arizona

Just like dogs need frequent baths and grooming, they also need to have their teeth brushed on a regular basis. At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we offer a full range of veterinary services, including dental care. Every dog needs a dental exam once a year. If you live in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet you and your pup. To make an appointment, please send us a message or give us a call at 480-497-0505 today. 

Photo by Hayffield L on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 5/16/2024.

The post How Often Do Dogs Need a Bath? appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

We understand what you’re going through. And don’t worry—you don’t have to get rid of all your plants. As long as you grow cat-friendly houseplants and employ a few plant-preserving strategies, you can keep your cat and your plants happy. Here’s what to do if you don’t want your cat to eat your houseplants.

Five Ways to Stop Your Cat from Eating Your Houseplants

1. Keep plants out of reach. Try placing them on a high shelf, inside a terrarium, or in a room your cat doesn’t have access to. 
2. Try sprinkling a little cayenne pepper on the leaves of your plants to keep your cat from biting them. Mist them with water first to help it stick.
3. Place a bowl of vinegar next to your plants. Some cats will be deterred by the smell of the vinegar and won’t approach the plant area.
4. Cover the soil with tinfoil. If your cat likes to dig in your plants’ dirt, the sensation of tinfoil on their claws might keep them away.
5. Give your cat their own plants! Catnip or wheatgrass might be just what your kitty needs to satisfy their leafy cravings.

Is Your Kitty Trying to Tell You Something?

If your cat won’t leave your houseplants alone, they might just be trying to get your attention. Cats do get bored, especially when they’re by themselves most of the day. Try spending a little extra time playing with your cat every day. Interactive games and toys will help curb the boredom and satisfy your kitty’s urge for excitement.

Or, if your cat likes to knock your houseplants over, it might be because the plants are in “their” spot. Like plants, cats love sunshine. They also like to observe what’s going on outside. If the plants are blocking all the nice, sunny windowsills, your cat might be trying to get them out of the way. Make sure your kitty has a comfortable window perch where they can keep an eye on the squirrels and take a nap in the sun.

Which Houseplants Are Safe for Cats?

Sometimes, there’s simply nothing you can do to keep your cat from chewing up your houseplants. In that case, you want to make sure that the plants you keep inside are not toxic to cats. Many common houseplants are poisonous—some more than others. For instance, cats are often attracted to spider plants, even though they’re mildly toxic. Chewing on the leaves makes them feel “high” (much like catnip) but they’ll probably end up vomiting later on. 

This doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favorite green friends. You can keep your cat from eating your houseplants by hanging them from the ceiling, enclosing them in a conservatory, or placing them on high shelves out of your cat’s reach. You can also make sure that all your new houseplants are cat-friendly.

In general, the following plants are safe for cats: 

• African Violets
• Bamboo
• Cactus
• (Most) Ferns
• Hoyas
• Orchids
• Pansies

What to Do If Your Cat Ate a Toxic Plant

If you’re worried that your cat might have eaten a poisonous plant, call your vet right away. Some plants (like daffodils and lilies) can be extremely dangerous for cats, and you’ll need to act quickly to save your cat’s life. If it’s after hours, call your local 24-hour emergency vet or the Pet Poison Helpline for assistance. 

Veterinary Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona

Anasazi Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinary care center, and we’re here to help your cat maintain the best of health. We provide urgent care appointments, so if you’re worried about a plant that your cat ate, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Or if you’re wondering how you can help your houseplants and your cat get along, ask us at your next visit! Contact us to make an appointment today. 

Photo by Matthew Halmshaw on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/12/2024.

The post How to Stop Your Cat from Eating Your Houseplants appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

What Types of Flowers Are Toxic to Pets?

You might be surprised to discover that some of the most popular spring flowers are also the most toxic. Easter and Mother’s Day are often dangerous times for our furry friends, because most people are unaware that flowers like Easter lilies are poisonous to pets. If you have a cat or a dog, you need to be very careful about the flowers that you bring into your home or encounter in your neighborhood.

Some spring flowers that are poisonous to cats and dogs include:

• Daffodils
• Lilies
• Tulips 
• Irises
• Azaleas
• Peonies
• Hyacinth
• Foxglove
• Oleander
• Ranunculus
• Bird of Paradise

Daffodils and lilies are the most dangerous, especially for cats. All parts of these flowers are toxic, including the petals, pollen, leaves, bulbs, and roots. Eating even a small amount of these extremely poisonous plants could cause kidney failure and death in cats. 

Dogs do not usually react as severely, and eating a daffodil or lily is rarely fatal to dogs. However, ingesting these flowers can cause vomiting and diarrhea, arrhythmic heart rates, respiratory problems, and even seizures.

What to Do If Your Pet Ate a Poisonous Flower

If you see your pet eat a poisonous flower or notice a bite out of one of these flowers in your garden or a bouquet, contact your vet right away. Emergency intervention may be necessary to save your pet’s life. It’s a good idea to program the numbers for a local emergency vet and the pet poison helpline into your phone, just in case.

If you are not sure whether the plant they ate is dangerous, contact your vet for advice and keep a close eye on your pet for symptoms of poisoning. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, nosebleeds, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and decreased urination are all signs of poisoning in pets.

Pet-Friendly Flowers for Spring

Not all flowers are dangerous! If you want to send a bouquet to your cat-loving mom, or plant a pet-friendly flower garden, there are still many beautiful flowers to choose from. The following flowers are usually safe for pets:

• Roses 
• Orchids
• Sunflowers
• Snapdragons
• Zinnias
• Petunias
• Pansies
• African Violets

Taking the precaution to choose pet-friendly flowers could save your pet’s life. March is Pet Poison Prevention month, so it’s important to be aware that pets respond differently to certain substances that humans do. Remember to keep things like chocolate, toothpaste, medications, antifreeze, and cleaning supplies out of your pet’s reach. And always double-check to make sure that the flowers you choose for your home and garden are safe.

Emergency Veterinary Care in Gilbert

Anasazi Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinary hospital in Gilbert, Arizona. We are open six days a week and we’re equipped to handle any urgent care your pet needs. If you’re worried about something your pet ate, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll let you know if you should bring your pet in to see us, and if they need treatment we’ll help them make a full recovery. 

Photo by Serafima Lazarenko on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/22/2024.

The post Spring Flowers That Are Poisonous to Pets appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

Can cats have seasonal allergies?  

Just like humans, cats can also be allergic to pollen from trees and flowers, as well as grasses and dust. Both indoor and outdoor cats can suffer from spring allergies, but outdoor cats have a higher likelihood of allergies because they spend more time outside and encounter more allergens. 

Symptoms of cat spring allergies are very similar to those in humans, and can include: 

• Sneezing and/or runny nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Red and/or watery eyes
• Itchy or irritated skin 
• Excessive scratching
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Redness on the belly, paws, or inside the ears

How do you treat seasonal allergies in cats? 

Symptoms caused by cat seasonal allergies can be very uncomfortable. If your cat’s skin becomes very irritated and itchy, they may overgroom and scratch too much. This can cause them to tear out their hair and even break their skin, which makes them vulnerable to infections. 

If your veterinarian diagnoses your cat with spring allergies, they can prescribe allergy medications to help lessen the symptoms. Human allergy medications are not for pets and should not be administered to your cat or dog. They can also offer treatment for wounds from skin irritations. There are also several things you can do at home to provide relief to a cat experiencing spring allergies. 

How to Relieve Cat Spring Allergies at Home

1: Keep Allergens out of Your Home

If your indoor cat is experiencing spring allergies, a great way to help them is by removing allergens from your home. Whenever you come inside, remove your shoes and jacket as soon as you come in the door, because they can pick up pollen when you’re outside. Vacuum frequently to remove allergens that may get stuck in carpeting. And if you have not changed your air conditioning filter recently, give that a shot as well.  

2: Clean Pet Beds, Cat Trees, and Toys

Allergens love to stick to fabrics. Make sure to wash your cat’s favorite pet bed or blanket frequently, as well as any fabric toys they may have. And use your vacuum hose attachment to remove any trapped allergens from scratching posts and cat trees. 

3: Try a Bath

A soothing bath can help remove allergens like pollen from a cat’s skin and fur. It can also help moisturize their skin, calming itchiness and tenderness. If you don’t believe your cat will hold still for a bath using water, try a bath wipe made especially for cleaning cats. 

4: Switch to Dust-Free Litter

Most cat litters kick up a lot of dust when you pour fresh litter into the litter box or when your cat is scratching around. Cats who are susceptible to seasonal allergies may also have a hard time tolerating dust. If possible, we recommend switching to a dust-free or low-dust litter to help relieve irritation. 

Treating Cat Spring Allergies in Chandler, Arizona

Cat seasonal allergies are a very common reason people bring their felines to Anasazi Animal Clinic during the spring. While allergy symptoms can be unpleasant, the good news is that relief is possible. Not only can veterinarians provide help through medications, they can also offer tips on how to make your home more comfortable for your kitty during the spring months. 

If your favorite feline is showing symptoms of cat spring allergies, call us today at 480-497-0505 to bring them in for a thorough examination.   

Photo by Ludemeula Fernandes on Unsplash

The post How to Tell If Your Cat Has Seasonal Allergies appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

Losing Puppy Teeth Is Normal

At around 12 weeks of age, your puppy will start losing teeth. Their fully formed adult teeth won’t be fully grown until they’re six months old. When their adult teeth start growing in, this will cause them to lose their baby teeth. 

Puppies will try to relieve the pain of growing new teeth by biting and chewing as often as they can. Buying the safest toys is important, but it’s even more important to note that no toy is 100% safe. When making purchases, look for toys that will not cause digestive issues if consumed or ripped apart. 

Periodontal Disease In Dogs

When a dog loses teeth in adulthood, you should always be concerned. The most common and likely cause of tooth loss in adult dogs is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Proper dental care can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

Some symptoms of severe gum disease include:

• Problems picking up food
• Bleeding or red gums
• Loose teeth
• Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
• Bad breath or halitosis
• “Talking” or making noises when eating or yawning
• Bumps or lumps in the mouth
• Bloody or ropey saliva
• Not wanting the head touched 
• Chewing on one side of the mouth
• Sneezing or nasal discharge 

Why Do Dogs Get Periodontal Disease?

Bacteria causes gum disease in both humans and pets. After eating, bacteria mixed with food and saliva form plaque over the teeth. This is why brushing your pet’s teeth on a regular basis is so important as to keep plaque at a minimum. The longer the plaque rests on the teeth, the worse condition they can end up in. 

The bacteria in plaque trick the white blood cells into breaking down gum tissue instead of destroying the bacteria. Without proper dental care, pets can end up with inflamed gums, damaged gum tissue, and eventual bone loss. 

Gum disease occurs five times more often in dogs than people due to the inconsistency of hygiene and brushing. Furthermore, dogs have more alkaline in their mouths than humans which means they have more plaque. 

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

There are four stages of gum disease. Depending on how far along your dog is, different treatment plans become necessary.  

• Stage 1 is mild, and cleaning is the only treatment option available. This involves a regular brushing schedule. You might notice your dog has mild redness and inflammation but not to the point of severe disease.
• Stage 2 involves cleaning, rinsing, and treating your dog’s gum tissue and tooth root with a gel that will help them reattach. 
• Stage 3 means that there is bone loss. This is more severe, and involves opening the gum flap and cleaning the tissue around the tooth root and bone. 
• Stage 4 means that over half of the bone is lost and the tooth or teeth must be removed. 

Gum Disease Prevention

Working with your veterinarian, follow these steps to prevent your dog from contracting gum disease:

• Take your dog in for regular oral exams and cleanings. Oral exams with x-rays are the only way to fully see what’s happening in your dog’s mouth
• Brush your dog’s teeth every day. Some pet owners believe that certain treats and chew toys act as substitutes for teeth brushing. Be sure to avoid toothpastes with xylitol, which is toxic  for dogs. Reading labels and making sure that products are marked “for dogs” will help to avoid confusion. 
• Feed your dog high quality dog food. Talk to your vet about which diet is right for your dog. 
• Offer safe toys and treats for daily chewing. 

Schedule a Wellness Exam Today

At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we will treat your pets with the utmost care. If your pet is experiencing discomfort associated with periodontal disease, please contact us right away. We are committed to working with you to figure out the best plan for your dog’s tooth loss. 

Photo by Yoav Hornung on Unsplash

The post Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth? appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we care about prevention and wellness. We’d like to share some helpful information that can ensure your pet’s health and initiate proper pain management.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infectious, zoonotic disease that causes serious illness in animals, namely dogs, and people. Caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria, these bacteria can be found in warm, wet soil and water. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease. 

What is a Zoonotic Disease?

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans or vice versa. 

Signs of Leptospirosis in Humans

As a zoonotic disease, Leptospirosis can be passed to humans from their pets. According to the CDC, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms in humans, including:

• High fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• Red eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

 Signs of Leptospirosis in Dogs

The disease can affect cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and dogs but is rare in cats. Marine animals can also be affected.  According to The Center for Food Security and Public Health, your pet may experience:

•       Fever
•       Lethargy
•       Weight loss
•       Anorexia
•       Depression
•       Acute renal failure
•       Jaundice
•       Abdominal discomfort
•       Vomiting and diarrhea
•       Blood in urine is uncommon, but may occur
•       Respiratory distress

How Leptospirosis Spreads

The disease can be transmitted through direct contact with urine, blood or tissue from an infected animal. Humans and animals can both be affected in the same way, as humans can contract leptospirosis when it is transmitted through their pet’s urine. 

1. Urine

Urine of infected animals seeps into soil (if they pee outdoors). Once in the soil, Leptospirosis can live for months. 

1. Broken Skin

Exposed cuts in the skin or blood can be entryways for the disease. 

1. Contaminated Water

Pets can become infected by drinking contaminated water. This can come by drinking or inhalation. 

1. Soft Tissues in nose, mouth, or eyes

Like most infections and viruses, Leptospirosis can enter through any holes in your body. 

Treatment and Prevention for Leptospirosis

Avoid contact with contaminated water or soil environments or infected wildlife, especially rodents. Leptospirosis vaccines are available for pigs, cattle and dogs. Like most vaccines, they don’t entirely prevent infection but could significantly reduce pain in the future. 

Schedule a Wellness Exam Today

At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we will treat your beloved dog with the same intentional care we give our own animals. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. If your dog is in pain, contact us right away. We are committed to ensuring the health and happiness of all pets throughout their years.

Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/6/2021) Photo by Cassiano Psomas on Unsplash

The post Is Leptospirosis a Zoonotic Disease? appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

What is Osteoarthritis?

According to Mayoclinic, Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down. The most commonly affected joints are those in the hands, knees, hips and spine.

How Do Dogs Get Osteoarthritis?

While the causes of canine osteoarthritis have not been established, the most common correlation appears to be developmental orthopedic diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Signs of Osteoarthritis In Dogs

You might not notice any signs or symptoms initially. However, as osteoarthritis progresses, signs may include:

• Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty getting up
• Lethargy
• Reluctance to run, jump, or play
• Weight gain
• Irritability or changes in behavior
• Pain when petted or touched
• Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house
• Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine

If you observe any of these signs of osteoarthritis, you should bring your dog to the vet right away for a full physical examination. Your dog may possibly need x-rays to rule out similar conditions.

Treating Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Risk factors for osteoarthritis include breed, obesity, age, stress, injuries, infection, malnutrition, poor conformation, and genetics. Osteoarthritis treatment in dogs can range from medication to dietary changes. These preventative measures allow your dog to live as leisurely as possible.

PRP Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma is a natural treatment for canine osteoarthritis. Derived from your dog’s blood, a rapid spinning process is implemented to activate and release growth factors that promote healing into the arthritic joint.

Joint Supplements

These over-the-counter supplements improve overall functioning. Safe and tested, pets rarely experience side effects from the medication.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are often prescribed to dogs with osteoarthritis to reduce pain, inflammation, and lameness.

Weight Management

Weight loss will put less pressure on the joints which reduces pain.

Schedule a Wellness Exam Today

At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we will treat your beloved dog with the same intentional care we give our own animals. Treating osteoarthritis in dogs is one of our areas of expertise.  If your dog is in pain from arthritis, contact us right away. We are committed to ensuring the health and happiness of all pets throughout their later years.

Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/5/2021) Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

The post What is the Best Treatment for Osteoarthritis in Dogs? appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

Dogs will be dogs—they love to eat things they shouldn’t. We are all aware that as their caretakers, it’s our job to keep toxic household items out of their reach. However, you may not have considered that soap could be dangerous to your dog if ingested. 

Soaps and detergents may be particularly enticing for your dog, because they are usually filled with tempting fragrances or essential oils. If your dog ate soap or detergent, you’ll need to contact your vet right away, but there’s no need to panic. Read on to learn how eating soap or detergent can affect your dog, signs to look for, and what to do about it. 

What Is in Soap?

Every soap is slightly different, of course—however, most liquid soaps contain water, oils, fragrances and dyes, as well as other ingredients, including sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, triclosan and cocamidopropyl betaine.

Bar soaps have similar ingredients—even many that are marketed as “natural.” Some soaps may also contain essential oils or dried herbs that could be harmful to your dog.

My Dog Ate Soap, Is it Toxic?

The answer to this question depends on the kind of soap your dog ingested. Many soaps contain pine oil, which can cause serious side effects. Soaps can also cause chemical burns in your dog’s mouth, esophagus, or stomach. If your dog ate a large piece of soap, it could cause a blockage in his GI system, which may require surgery to remove. 

Is Detergent Toxic to Dogs? 

Detergents are often more dangerous to dogs than soap. Non-ionic detergents are the least harmful of the detergents and cationic detergents are the most dangerous for dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can have serious consequences and can be potentially fatal for a dog. 

Types of Detergents

• Non-ionic detergents—dish-washing detergents, shampoos, and some laundry detergents
• Anionic detergents—most laundry detergents, dish soaps, shampoos, and dish-washing detergents
• Cationic detergents—fabric softeners, sanitizers, disinfectants, and rust inhibitors in petroleum products 

Laundry and Dishwasher Pods 

Pods pose an even bigger threat to dogs. The reason for this is twofold: 1.) the detergent is much more concentrated in pods and 2.) when a dog bites into a pod, the pressure inside causes its contents to be expelled forcefully, increasing the risk for aspirating (inhaling/choking) or swallowing the detergent. Pods or dishwasher tabs may also be more appealing for dogs to grab since they are contained in a small package and may look like a treat or a toy. 

Signs and Symptoms of Soap or Detergent Toxicity

• Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal lesions
• Lack of appetite
• Swollen tongue 
• Respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing
• Swollen abdomen
• Burns or lesions in the mouth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Disorientation
• Muscle weakness
• Seizures
• Collapse
• Hair loss
• Organ damage 

What to Do if Your Dog Ate Soap or Detergent

Call Your Vet Right Away 

If it’s after business hours, call your local 24-hour emergency vet. DO NOT attempt to induce vomiting in your dog. This can cause serious chemical burns in the esophagus or mouth. 

It’s always best to contact your vet or the closest emergency vet if your dog ingests soap or detergent, rather than waiting to see if your dog develops any symptoms. Let the vet know exactly what kind of soap or detergent your dog ate and how much. It’s possible that your dog may be just fine, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. 

Flush the Eyes/Mouth/Skin

After you have contacted your vet, they might instruct you to rinse your dog’s mouth, eyes, or skin with running water for 20-30 minutes, depending on where the exposure to the soap was. 

Prevent Pet Poisoning 

The good news is that pet poisoning is completely preventable, so taking some simple steps, like keeping soaps and detergents locked away and out of reach, can ensure your dog stays healthy. This is especially important for puppies. Do not just assume that your dog will not eat something just because it tastes bad. There are also non-toxic alternative soaps and detergents available, which we will discuss in our next post. 

Emergency Vet in Gilbert

Keep emergency contact information easily accessible at all times. This should include the number for the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680), the phone number for Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert (contact us), as well as the name and location of a local 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. If your dog ate soap or detergent, do not hesitate or wait for signs and symptoms before taking your pet to see your vet. 

Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/5/2021)  by Antonio Jose Cespedes from Pixabay

The post What You Should Do if Your Dog Ate Soap appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

What can you for your pets with separation anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic? Many of us have spent so much quality time with our pets while social distancing. Some of us have created new work-from-home routines and have now been able to take our pets on more walks than usual. For our furry friends experiencing anxiety, this has been extremely helpful. But what happens when we begin to transition back into office life? Our pets are now used to a new schedule.What can we do to help our pets transition? To help our pets with separation anxiety, our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert have put together this list of things to keep in mind as our lives shift once again.

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a condition in which dogs are overly attached or dependent on their people. When explaining canine behaviors, The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, lists characteristics of dogs that have separation anxiety.

These include: 

• Vocalization (barking and howling)
• Destruction (chewing, digging, etc)
• House soiling (urinating and defecating)
• Physical unrest (restless, shaking, dilated pupils, escaping)
• Refusal to eat

What causes anxiety?

A pet is likely to experience separation anxiety during times of stress and change. There are many things that could cause this to happen. A change of guardian or family, household membership (absence or death), residence, or a change in schedule. Dogs are incredibly intuitive and pick up on variances in their day, but are unable to vocalize their needs and concerns regarding shifts in their life. 

What can you do? 

Although we may get frustrated, avoid punishing or scolding your dog. Our first response may be to want to punish the dog for their behaviors in our absence. However, punishing pets with separation anxiety may lead to a further upset, causing the problem to worsen. Instead, consider the following techniques:

• Counter conditioning
  • This is a process that can be implemented over time to prepare your pet for your absence by slowly associating positive rewards with exit cues, such as putting on your shoes or grabbing your keys.
• Mental and Physical Stimulation
  • Having treats and toys that are provided as a special circumstance, specifically for when you leave, can reinforce good behavior when you are not around. Make sure to introduce these tools when your pet is not experiencing anxiety so that positive associations can be made.
• Crating or Confinement
  • Crating or confining your pet to one room can be helpful when dogs associate their crate or area with a safe space.

• Exercise
  • Providing a substantial amount of physical activity before you leave may be enough to expel your pet’s excess energy and assist them in feeling more relaxed in your absence.

Give us a Call 

If you are concerned about your pet experiencing separation anxiety, contact us for a consultation and additional support. Keeping your pets safe and happy is our number one priority. Contact Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert by contacting us online to discuss anxiety treatment options for your furry friend!

Image by Mikorad from Pixabay

The post Separation Anxiety in Pets During Quarantine appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

A Program Just For Your Pet

Be aware that all FDA-approved heartworm preventatives require a prescription. Give us a call to schedule an appointment—we will check your pet’s overall health and test for heartworm disease, and work with you to come up with a preventative care plan that is tailored to your fur-baby’s specific needs. You will have multiple options in how treatment is administered, from topical solutions to pills to a shot, and we will thoroughly discuss the best option for you and your pet. Let’s take a quick look at these options: 

Oral Prevention

Oral prevention involves giving your pet a chewable pill once a month. This is often considered a simple solution, as most pets think the pill is a treat—and are excited to eat it! These treatments are both affordable and effective. They typically protect against multiple parasites, in addition to heartworm—including hookworm and roundworm. Some also prevent whipworms and fleas. 

It is very important to keep oral heartworm preventatives away from pets, as overdosing can lead to illness and death. The tablets are often chewable and made to taste good, so a pet may be tempted to eat all of them if they have access to them—so ensure that you keep oral heartworm medications out of the reach of your pets.

Topical Prevention

Topical heartworm prevention entails applying a solution to your pet’s skin on the back of her neck once a month. Once applied, the medicine is then absorbed into the body, killing any parasites that may be forming. Other topical medications can also protect your pet from fleas, mites, roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and ticks. Talk with your veterinarian about the pros and cons of each type—and to discuss whether or not topical treatments are best for you and your household. 

If you have children or other pets in your home, topical preventatives may not be the best option. No one in the household should come into contact with the site of the medication for a minimum of two hours after application. If someone does come into contact with the medication, it can irritate the skin and eyes. Talk with your vet about possible reactions to look for in both humans and your pet.

Heartworm Prevention Injection

Another option is an injectable prevention medication that is only administered once every six or 12 months. This is a quick and easy solution that may allow you to rest easy knowing your pet is covered for six months to a year after each shot. It may be a great option for people who often forget to administer monthly medications or don’t want to worry about having to give it each month. Talk with your vet about possible side effects and which injection your furry friend might be eligible to receive. 

Give Us A Call Today

For more information on heartworm prevention, connect with us online! We’d be happy to talk through the heartworm medication options with you and come up with a preventative care plan that is designed for your pet. We’ll ensure that you get the proper dosage and type of medication for your pet, and get her on her way to living her most vibrant and healthy life!

The post Heartworm Awareness Month appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.