• What is a hot spot?
• Zoonotic disease.
• Disaster Information for Pets.
• Common Foods that are Unsafe for your Dog.
• Holiday Safety.
• Shedding.
• Natural mosquito repellant recipe.
• Raisins Dangers.

What is a Hot Spot?

A “hot spot” is a wound, usually caused by licking and chewing.  It can be caused by allergic reactions to food, insect bites, and contact with chemicals, such as yard fertilizers or carpet treatments.  Pads of feet can especially be red and raw looking due to yard chemicals.  A “hot spot” can also be caused by being dirty and matted.  Matting of hair does not allow air to circulate freely to the skin, traps moisture and thus causes an irritation which in turn starts the pet licking and chewing.  Cleaning the infected area by bathing with sensitive skin shampoos and grooming the pet by removing mats and/or shortening the hair to allow more air to circulate may help to alleviate irritations.  However, if your pet continues to lick and chew, this will make the infection worse and veterinarian’s attention would be advised.   
 

ZOONOTIC DISEASES
ANIMAL TO HUMAN TRANSMISSION

External parasites on pets can have serious consequences to humans as well as animals. Fleas, lice, ticks, mites, mosquitoes and flies:

• Carry blood born diseases such as plague, heamobartenella and others.

• Can cause severe allergies.

• Can literally suck the life out of small pets.

• Hair loss.

• Secondary skin infection, which in some cases, can become fatal.

Internal parasites of pets can have serious consequences to humans as well as animals.  Round worms (ascarids), hook worms, giardia, coccidia, toxoplasma and several others…

• Can cause severe organ damage and blindness.

• Can cause severe skin disorders with scaring.

• Can cause life threatening diarrhea and intestinal damage.

• Can cause anemia from blood loss and malabsorption.

• Can cause severe allergic reactions.

Bacteria or viruses from feces or urine can have life threatening consequences.

Children are at greatest risk due to their habit of placing everything in their mouths. Immunocompromised persons are also at greater risk.

 How to Control Transmission

•  WASH YOUR HANDS!

• KEEP FECES PICKED UP daily or at least once a week

•  Use plastic gloves when handling urine or feces.              

•  Keep children’s sand boxes covered and fenced from pets.

•  Use external parasite control such as front-line every month.

•  Worm puppies and kittens every couple weeks from 4 weeks to 6 mo old.  Then worm monthly until 1 year old.  Worm at least once a year thereafter.   Worm the mother when babies are 4 weeks old and every 2 weeks until they are weaned.

•  Do a fecal exam for parasites every month or as directed by your veterinarian until the pet is 1         year old.  Then do a fecal exam at least once a year, more often in some circumstances.  Every time your pet is sick, it is wise to bring in a fecal sample.  While your eyes may see some worms, we are looking for microscopic eggs.  The parasites do not shed eggs on a continual basis; so they can be missed.   A negative fecal exam does not guarantee your pet is internal parasite free. We therefore recommend worming your pet even if the feces appears free of eggs.  One parasite that is rarely found with a fecal exam is the tapeworm; however, this is one type of common worm you may see with the naked eye. (Commonly caused by ingesting fleas)

Reprinted by permission from Dr. Ivy Engstrom, DVM, A Valey Animal Hospital, Auburn, WA.
 

BEFORE THE DISASTER   

Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations.   

Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.   

 
Have a current photograph   

Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.   

Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand  and turn   

around.   

Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet!   

Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL   

potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.   

If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.   

DURING THE DISASTER   

Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:   

Proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a   

leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions   

and news papers or trash bags for clean-up.   

Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure them and remain calm.   

Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served  basis.  Call ahead and determine availability.   

 AFTER THE DISASTER   

Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered   

and pets could easily be confused and become lost.  Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and   

debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.   

If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be   

recovered.  Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.   

After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior.   

Don't forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan.   

PET DISASTER SUPPLY KIT   

Proper identification including immunization records   

Ample supply of food and water   

A carrier or cage   

Medications   

Holiday Safety.

During the Holidays, there are many new hazards for our pets. Here's a quick reminder to ensure that you and your pets have a safe and joyous time.

•  Holiday Food - Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis and gastrointestinal issues.  Chocolate, coffee, and onions are toxic to dogs and cats.  Rising dough on a counter top is irresistible to some pets, and can cause serious problems.  Don't forget that wrapped food gifts under or on the tree can be easily consumed by dogs, cats,  
  birds and small pets.  Not only are the food items a problem, but  those wrappers are impossible to digest.

•  Holiday Plants - Many lilies are deadly to cats. Mistletoe,  poinsettias and holly cause gastrointestinal upset for all critters.  Christmas tree water can be filled with chemicals or bacteria and pine sap is dangerous if ingested. Secure your tree to the wall so your pets can't knock it over.

•  Decorations - Tinsel, ribbon, ornaments and hooks are attractive play things for many small animals.  If swallowed they may cause internal blockages requiring surgery. Broken glass ornaments can cut  
  paws and mouths. If your pet likes to play with things on the tree, decorate the lower third with unbreakable wood or plastic ornaments.

• Candles - Put burning candles in places that are inaccessible to your pets. They could set themselves on fire or tip the candle over and start a fire in the house.

•  Batteries - Don't leave batteries for those Christmas toys lying around. They are fun to play with, but contain corrosives. If ingested, they can cause mouth ulcerations and intestinal issues.

Remember to tell your pets about any visitors that will be coming, or if you will be away over the holidays, and if things are going to be stressful, give them Rescue Remedy in their water dish.

SHEDDING

Regular and proper grooming can be the difference between a good coat and an excellent coat. Here at  greyt grooming, I would be more than happy to help you achieve this...especially through the shedding process. Even if your dog is not in need of a complete grooming, a thorough bath and brush can help to speed the process along. Dead hair next to the skin is irritating and can lead to an itch/scratch cycle that can damage the skin and cause further problems. If left alone for too long, excessive matting can occur and will make it very painful for the dog to be brushed out and more expensive for the owner.  

Contrary to what some companies may advertise, there is not a "100% cure" for shedding. Shedding (or "blowing") the coat is a natural cycle in every pet's life whether it's convenient for us or not.
 

Shedding is seasonal - usually occurring every spring and fall and related primarily to changes in the duration and intensity of sunlight. Housedogs are exposed to long hours of artificial light and it sometimes seems as if they never quit shedding. Most dogs shed at least once a year (though some breeds shed more frequently) and do not shed their coats evenly. Some have a double coat composed of a long outer coat of "guard" hairs and an undercoat of softer shorter hair. When a dog with this type of coat begins to shed, the inner coat may come out in a patchy fashion and your dog may look quite moth-eaten!
 

Coat loss is occasionally precipitated by factors other than light and seasonal changes. For dogs, the last areas in which their bodies will expend energy is the maintenance of a thick, luxurious coat of hair. Other things are simply more important for the health and survival of the animal. Therefore, if a dog is on a poor quality food (for example), it will use all the energy derived to maintain bodily functions and let the quality of its coat slide. Poor coat quality is also frequently seen in an older animal whose digestive system isn't working as well as it used to. The same is true for dogs that have been sick or stressed. Stressful conditions typically cause hair to drop out first on the body and flanks, where hair grows the fastest.
 

Anytime a dog is stressed, in a poor state of nutrition, or following the effect of anesthesia or certain hormones, expect the skin and coat to suffer. All of these are reversible and the coat will return to normal after the animal has returned to good health and/or the effects of the substance causing this have passed. How severely the dog is affected and how soon the effects are reversed varies with different individuals and breeds. If the coat does not seem to be returning to normal, or there is no discernable reason for the hair loss, the dog should be taken to its vet for testing.
 

Remember, at greyt grooming I am here to help you in every aspect of your pet's life. I would be happy to arrange a bathing/grooming schedule for you and your dog in an effort to keep your costs down and your pet looking forward to a happy grooming experience.

Natural Flea, Tick and Mosquito Spray

Use a big lemon or two smaller (the more rind the better) and slice it paper thin.

Place slices in a glass or ceramic bowl with a tablespoon of crushed rosemary  ( about a 6” sprig of fresh)

Pour over the lemon and rosemary one quart of nearly boiling water.  Let steep overnight.

Strain and put into a large spray bottle.  Keep in the refrigerator.  Shake well before each use.

During the height of the flea and tick seasons spray daily on the belly and feet of pets to repel more effectively.

If your dog has dry skin or allergies add a teaspoon of tea tree oil and a tablespoon of aloe pulp.

Use the spray at least twice a week to keep the scent on the coat of your pet.

The oils will give your dog a beautiful shiny coat and keep the “nasties” away.

To repel bugs more, spray it around you doors and throughout the house carpets.

P.S.  I’ve used it for myself…. Find that I need to spray more often on arms and legs, but it does work.
 

SAVE DOG LIVES!!!  PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION with ALL dog lovers you know as well as your veterinarian, groomer, pet sitter, classes, clubs, etc.

RAISINS & GRAPES Update

Based on report provided by VMRCVM Vet Notes

Animal Poison Control Center has documented multiple cases of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs within the last couple of years.  Presumably, this has occurred in the past but attributed to other causes.

What Kind of Grapes & Raisins?
The source of the problem has been varied.  Grapes of all varieties and growing conditions (including homegrown) have been implicated.  Raisins are usually made from white seedless grapes, but all raisins of any source should be considered kidney toxic (chocolate covered raisins as well).

Why?
The toxic principle is unknown.  Grapes contain low amounts of tannins compared to acorns, a known kidney toxicant in large animals.  Grapes lack significant amounts of Vitamin D, another known kidney toxicant.  It is unlikely pesticide residue is involved due to the wide variety of grape types involved.   So far the majority of toxicosis reports have been in dogs.  However, feeding grapes or raisins to cats and ferrets should also be discouraged, as poisonings have been reported in these species as well. 

How Many Would Poison Your Dog?
The minimum toxic dose is approximately 0.3 oz/kg body weight.  This would correspond to about 2 grapes per kg body weight, or roughly 1 grape per pound of body weight.

15 lb dog = 12-14 grapes could be deadly
25 lb. dog = 23 grapes could be deadly
50 lb. dog = 50+ grapes could be deadly
75 lb. dog = 75 grapes could be deadly

Raisins, having lost their water content are considered more toxic at 6 raisins per kg of body weight, or 2-3 raisins per pound of body weight.  Think how many raisins are in ONE small snack pack of raisins – maybe enough to kill your dog.

15 lb. dog = 30-45 raisins could be deadly
25 lb. dog = 50-75 raisins could be deadly
50 lb. dog = 100-150 raisins could be deadly
75 lb. dog = 150-225 raisins could be deadly

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms appear 6-24 hours after the dog eats raisins or grapes (average is 12 hours).  Initially, symptoms are gastro-intestinal signs, followed by kidney problems.

Vomiting is usually the primary sign, with diarrhea, depression/lethargy, anorexia, colic, dehydration and sharply decreased urine output.  The course of the toxicosis is anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks.  Dogs with kidney problems have a guarded to poor prognosis. 

Diagnosis is based on history of recent exposure and clinical signs.  On bloodwork, the kidney values are increased.  Typically BUN, creatinine, phosphorus and potassium are elevated (sometimes serum calcium as well).  The urine sediment will have hyaline casts and the urine specific gravity will be either hyposthenuric or isosthenuric (diluted to the concentration of water of less concentrated than water) at SG 1.006 to 1.010.

Treatment
If the raisins or grapes have been ingested within 2-3 hours, vomiting should be induced followed by activated charcoal to limit further absorption.  Treatment is based on preventing further absorption if appropriate and maintaining urine output & electrolyte balance.  The vet may also give an osmotic cathartic (to speed up GI passage of toxin without absorption).  The animal should receive an isotonic saline solution IV at twice maintenance rates for 48 hours.  Anti-nausea medication, diuretics and peritoneal dialysis may be needed in some cases.