I’ll fully admit I am a dinosaur when it comes to my medical records. Computerized and digital everything is the trend, but I just can’t take the plunge with going paperless. I am cognizant about the ecological impact of using paper, but the benefits to my psyche have to take precedence.
Bum Scooting Boogie
For those in the know, scooting behavior is when a pet drags their bottom on the floor. The way they do this is often comical, but it can be a sign that something is wrong with the hind end, or more specifically, the perineal region.
Keeping your pet out of trouble during the holidays Part 2
Dietary indiscretion is the term we use to describe what happens when your pet eats something that doesn’t agree with them. The result is usually vomiting, diarrhea or a combination of both.
Keeping your pet out of trouble during the holidays Part 1
The holiday season is fast approaching, and year after year I see a similar pattern in emergencies that occur during this time. In Part 1, I will address concerns that are less common than the usual vomiting and diarrhea that accompanies dietary indiscretion.
Lumps and bumps
Lumps and bumps are a common finding, especially in our older pets. The majority of lumps are harmless, but even these need to monitored on a regular basis.
Ear infections
Ear infections (otitis externa) are a common occurrence in our pets and can cause scratching, rubbing, and head shaking. Some pet owners will notice a dirty ear that needs to be cleaned all the time. A normal, healthy ear needs no intervention, so a build up of wax means something is wrong.
Itchy pets
This is the time of year when I see a lot of itchy pets, dogs in particular. There are a number of environmental factors in late summer and fall that affect the skin and cause itching.
Keeping your pet fit
Fitness is something we take for granted in our pets. Most young pets are more active than their owners, but older pets can lose their enthusiasm for play and become more sedate. If the food amount stays the same, the end result is weight gain. Over feeding contributes to weight gain, but so does under exercising.