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Spaying
and Neutering: It's The Right Thing To Do
In 1999, twelve to eighteen
million dogs and cats were euthanized in American animal shelters. Many
others died from disease, starvation and automobile accidents. The number is so overwhelming
that it is easy to forget that each of those animals had its own unique
personality with its potential to love and be loved. The single best thing you can do
to address this problem is to have your pet
spayed or neutered.
Altering one pet and not allowing it
to reproduce can make a difference in reducing animal
overpopulation. For example, one pair of cats breeding and producing eight kittens per year
can in seven years time be responsible for over 173,000 new kittens.
Altering your pet will also help reduce
some health risks which are commonly seen in intact animals. Female dogs and cats spayed before their first heat cycle have virtually no chance of developing mammary
gland tumors. Pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus, which is also a
very common occurrence in older unspayed females. When this infection
occurs, it usually requires emergency treatment and can be life threatening. Male dogs and cats
can also benefit from neutering. The incidence of prostatic disease can be
greatly reduced and the possibility of testicular tumors or disease is eliminated.
Neutered males are also less likely to roam or exhibit aggressive
tendencies than intact males.
Surgical altering can be performed at any age,
but the
health benefits are the greatest and the risks to your pet the smallest when done before reaching sexual maturity. Traditionally, these surgeries were recommended at six
months of age,
but are now performed routinely on younger animals. Surgery is usually well
tolerated and recovery is generally quick. We recommend that you address
specific questions or concerns you may have with your veterinarian.
Spaying or neutering your pet is an important part of your responsibility as a pet owner. It is a
healthy, responsible action that will save lives, possibly including your own pet’s. If your
pet has not been altered, please discuss the procedure with your veterinarian. It
is really the right thing to do.
Pet Owners: beware
of toad poisoning!
Courtesy of Tracy A.
Marvelle, DVM, Desert Forest Animal Hospital
Now
is the season for toad poisoning! We have a number of poisonous desert
toads in Arizona, the largest of which is the Colorado River Toad. These
toads are protected from predators by a poisonous mucus on their skin. The
toads are active in the evening and are attracted to the bugs around our
porch lights at night and to the water in our yards. Poisoning most
commonly occurs in dogs but can also occur in cats when they come into
contact with the toads.
Poisoning usually occurs in the evening when pets are let out one last
time before bedtime. When our curious pet licks or bites the toad, the
poisonous mucus is absorbed through the pets mouth. There can be enough
poison in a shallow water bowl that a toad has occupied to be toxic to a
pet if it drinks the water.
Early symptoms are usually drooling and licking the lips. As the poisons
are absorbed, the pet may become dazed, disoriented or uncoordinated.
Hyperthermia (high body temperature) develops followed by unconsciousness,
seizures and finally death if untreated. Early recognition of the symptoms
and prompt home treatment can help save your pets life.
Treat for toad poisoning if you see your pet mouthing a toad or your pet
has the symptoms in the situation described above. Step
1: If your pet is conscious, promptly rinse the poisonous mucus from
its mouth with a gentle stream of water from the garden hose. Be careful
not to force water into the back of the throat or the pet could choke.
Rinse from the side of the mouth out the front. Do not rinse the mouth if
your pet is unconscious. Step
2: Regardless if your pet is conscious or not, wet the coat with water
to help cool the body temperature down and decrease or prevent
hyperthermia. Step 3:
Head to the nearest veterinarian! This may not be necessary if you
recognized the problem early and your pet is acting normal. It is always a
good idea to have your pet checked if it is having any symptoms as quickly
as possible. Ask
your veterinarian NOW about after-hour arrangements as this almost always
happens in the evenings. It is best to be prepared before it happens.
Learn where the closest emergency clinic is. Often with prompt early home
treatment, your pet may be back to normal by the time you get there.
Great, you can turn around and head home! If not, you are there and your
pet will get the emergency care it needs. There
is no antidote for toad poisoning, so treatment consists of supportive
care including IV fluids and drugs to control shock, seizures and
hyperthermia. We have
all heard the saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure." If you notice a toad in your yard or pool they can easily be
caught and transported to a distant desert location, preferably not your neighbor's
backyard! If you just put them out over the back fence, they usually find
their way back in. Be sure to wash your hands if you handle the toad as
the mucus is toxic to humans as well if you get it in your mouth or eyes. Go
out with your pet at night and make sure there are no toads in the yard.
Do not leave shallow water bowls in your yard that a toad could get into.
Hopefully, this will prevent a nighttime disaster for you and your pet. For
answers to questions about toad poisoning or other desert diseases that
can affect your pets, please contact your veterinarian.
Pets
and the New Baby
Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is a very
exciting moment, but there are pet related health and behavioral issues that should be
addressed before that special moment. To many animals the arrival of a new baby means new
smells, sights, sounds and an upset to the normal routine. Consulting your veterinarian
during your pregnancy about these issues can ensure that this experience will be a
positive one for you, your baby and your pets.
One of the biggest concerns is the introduction of the baby
into a home where the dog or cat is used to being the only "baby." Most animals
in a babyless home receive most of the attention and affection, and are the first to be
greeted when we come home. When the baby arrives, a lot of attention is shifted from the
animals to the baby. For instance, how many of our pets are allowed on the furniture or
even sleep with us in our beds? After the baby arrives, most of our pets will have limited
access to certain rooms or pieces of furniture. For the first time in their lives, our
pets may be told to get off the couch (their favorite sleeping spot) because the baby is
nearby. Some pets may become resentful to the baby because of all the attention being paid
to the "new sibling pack member." Some dogs may even be banned to the outdoors
because they are being pests and wanting attention when Mom is tending to baby chores.
This resentfulness may turn into aggression to you or your baby. If you have more than one
pet, each has their own personality and may react to the newest family member in different
ways, so planning ahead and discussing each situation with your veterinarian is a good
idea.
To get an animal used to the new sounds, some parents-to-be
have played tape recordings of a crying infant before the baby is due. This helps your
pets become accustomed to the new sound, one that can be very upsetting to an animal. The
key is to play these recordings before the baby comes home, so your pets become
familiar with the sound.
There are several things you can do before the first
introduction that involve your pet’s natural keen sense of smell. One is to allow
your pet to explore the baby’s room prior to bringing the baby home. Another is to
allow your pet to smell a blanket that the baby has been wrapped in. This helps your pet
become accustomed to the infant’s new scent before the introduction.
The arrival home from the hospital is often an exciting,
hectic occasion. The noise, excitement and presence of family or friends may be very
disturbing to your pet and this may not be the most opportune time for the new infant and
pet to meet. Arrange for the family pet(s) to stay with a trusted friend until things
settle down. It is important for the first introduction to occur in a calm setting, so be
sure everyone, including the baby and pet, is adjusted and calmed down before the
introduction takes place. It’s a good idea to let your dog have a good run and some
settling down time before the introduction.
Most of our pets like simple consistent routines. Even
after the baby arrives, it is vital to keep the routine as consistent as possible. If your
routine has to change after the baby’s arrival, which includes spending less time
with your four-legged friend, consider slowly changing the routine a few months before the
baby arrives to ensure consistency.
Never leave your pet alone with the baby. Even though you
may completely trust your pet, there may be situations that you cannot anticipate where
your pet reacts out of instinct and the child may accidentally be in the way. Always use
common sense when it comes to an animal and your child. Accidents can happen in just a
second.
There are some health issues of concern to parents.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can seriously damage the central nervous system. It is
a risk to both the expectant mother and fetus, so a woman should not clean the litter
boxes during her pregnancy and only eat well-cooked meat. Pets should be treated for
intestinal parasites. Most of the "once a month" Heartworm medications also kill
and prevent most internal parasites as well. Check with your veterinarian for further
recommendations. Since it won’t be long before your infant will be putting everything
within reach into his/her mouth, it is a good idea to discuss total internal and external
parasite prevention with your veterinarian, as well as any other health concerns you may
have. A majority of the health issues involving zoonotic diseases (transferred from animal
to human) are related to fecal to oral transmission. Thus, stringent hygiene and simply
washing your and your child’s hands can prevent a majority of health related
problems.
Backyard
Swimming Pools Are a Danger to Family Pets Just as They Are to Children
Many dogs drown every month in Arizona. Many other dogs
need intensive medical care to survive. One veterinary emergency clinic in north
Scottsdale sees at least four to twelve swimming pool deaths in dogs each month.
Not all adult dogs can swim. Small dogs who do know how to
swim may be unable to get out of the pool. They tire quickly and slip under the water.
Most drownings occur in four groups of dogs:
1) Puppies less than six months old
2) Elderly dogs, especially those with poor vision
3) Dogs visiting unfamiliar houses
4) Dogs with any history of seizure disorders
These dogs should never have unsupervised access to
a swimming pool.
Some adult large breed dogs seem to cope well with swimming
and with getting in and out of the pool on their own. But no dog is totally safe around a
pool.
Prevention of drownings is the same as for child drownings.
A separate fence around the pool (be sure small puppies can’t squeeze through the
bars) and constant supervision of the dog when it does have access to the pool are the
keys.
If a dog does fall into a pool, the same type of CPR that
is used on humans may be very helpful. If the dog is not breathing, mouth-to-mouth or
mouth-to-nose resuscitation is done with the dog’s head extended upwards. Sometimes
the tongue has to be pulled forward to clear the airway. Rapid chest compressions over the
widest part of the ribcage (with the dog lying on its side) can be done in addition to the
breathing, if the dog is unconscious and does not have a heartbeat. CPR should be
continued enroute to the nearest veterinarian, until the dog is breathing well.
Caring for Our "Senior"
Friends
Extra pounds, a slower jogging pace, even a few gray
hairs...these are all tell-tale signs of the aging process that impact our society whether
we like it or not.
It’s even true for our pets. They don’t run as
quickly as they did as puppies and kittens, they pick up weight more rapidly than when
they were adolescents, and they’re more susceptible to diseases and injuries.
Yet with the advances in veterinary medical care and
increased knowledge of pet care by owners, animals are living longer lives today. In fact,
over the past 50 years, the life span of pets has nearly doubled.
According to veterinarians, the definition of a
"geriatric" pet will vary with the size and age of the particular pet. Dogs
weighing less than 20 pounds and cats may not be considered "seniors" until 11
years of age while giant breed dogs such as Great Danes and St. Bernards are considered
geriatric at seven.
Most older pets require more frequent veterinary attention
as the majority of medical problems involving older pets tend to be chronic rather than
acute. Geriatric pets that have developed age-related problems such as heart disease,
kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances require monitoring of their response to treatment
both by physical examination and laboratory testing. Anesthesia requires more attention to
detail before, during, and immediately after surgery.
Nutritional demands of the aging pet can vary with
different ailments. And, many older pets also require more frequent grooming and nail
trimming as they are less able to maintain their regular grooming habits. Naturally, the
more problems a pet owner must deal with, the more expense may be incurred for diagnostic
tests, medications, special diets, and the like.
Just as the physical needs of a geriatric pet changes, so
may the emotional needs as well. In some ways, the needs of a senior pet are similar to
that of a puppy. Separation anxiety is the main cause of destructive behavior, excessive
vocalization, and inappropriate elimination. Management strategies include making sure the
pet is never left alone or by obtaining another pet to keep it company.
Older pets often remember their training and are distressed
by accidents in the house as well as by their physical inability to perform maneuvers they
once could. Emotional needs of a geriatric pet differ from an adolescent in that
aggressive behavior, restlessness, and sleep disturbances may indicate pain or physical
discomfort from arthritis, congestive heart failure, or senile dementia.
In addition, senior pets are often very "place"
and "routine" oriented. This means that they are more stressed by
hospitalization and boarding than younger animals. Thus, owners may need to make special
arrangements to minimize these stresses such as visiting a hospitalized pet daily or
finding a sitter to stay at the home.
Arizona veterinarians recommend pet owners take three
primary steps to keep their pets as healthy as possible for many years to come. First, ask
your pet’s veterinarian at what age the animal is considered to be
"geriatric."
Second, continue a regular schedule of routine,
preventative health maintenance including annual check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control
and grooming procedures.
And third, do not hesitate to treat your geriatric pet for
chronic disease. Proper veterinary care will allow him or her to enjoy a longer, more
comfortable life with you.
Dental Care: The Heart of Animal Health
Thousands upon thousands of loving pet owners take their
pets for regular checkups at the veterinarian. After this annual routine, many feel they
have provided the most complete care for their pets. But studies in recent years indicate
this is not enough.
Veterinarians have learned that regular dental care is
vitally important in ensuring pets’ overall health. A mouth full of bacteria can
cause serious health problems for pets in addition to tooth loss or painful gum disease,
according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. Periodontal disease may cause
bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, carrying the infection to other parts of the
animal’s body. Total pet healthcare - beginning with proper oral care - is the
emphasis of "Pets Need Dental Care."
The need for education is great. Oral disease is the most
frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. An astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70
percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. That’s why Arizona
veterinarians are an integral part of the pet dental health campaign. They play a key role
in educating pet owners about the risks their pets face if oral care is not a priority.
The growth of bacteria in a dog’s or cat’s mouth or on the teeth may lead to the
formation of plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar buildup then have the potential to cause
periodontal infections that can spread to other organs.
The following steps suggested by (Arizona dental
specialists) Drs. Chris Visser and Ken Lyon can put a bite into potential health problems:
l Take your pet to your veterinarian for a dental exam.
Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem.
l Begin a dental care regimen at home. Your
veterinarian can suggest steps that may include brushing your pet’s teeth. One of the
most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated
foods proven effective in removing plaque and tartar buildup.
l Schedule regular veterinary dental checkups. These
are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet’s dental
health routine.
Please, take pet dental care to heart. It’s one way to
ensure good health and vitality for your best friend.
Quick Bites - On Pet Dental Care
DOGS
l Puppies develop 28 temporary teeth at two to three weeks
of age. Their 42 permanent teeth emerge at about four months.
l Studies show that, by age 3, 80 percent of dogs exhibit
signs of gum disease.
l Small dog breeds are more likely than large breeds to
develop periodontal disease. Canine dentistry experts believe this is because the teeth of
small dogs often are too large for their mouths, forcing the teeth closer together.
CATS
l Kittens have about 26 temporary teeth at two to three
weeks of age. Their 30 permanent teeth erupt at about three to four months.
l According to studies, about 70 percent of cats have signs
of gum disease by age 3.
l Cervical line lesions are the most common tooth disease
in domestic cats. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one
of these painful lesions during their lifetime.
Home Care Tips
In addition to providing regular dental checks for their
pets, pet owners can take steps at home to ensure good oral health:
l Feed a specially formulated pet food with proven oral
health benefits in daily plaque and tartar control.
l Brush the pet’s teeth with a specially formulated
toothpaste in flavors appealing to dogs and cats. Toothpaste for humans should not be used
because it can upset stomachs for pets.
Choosing A Veterinarian
Make the right choice for your pet’s health and
happiness. Selecting a veterinarian to care for your pet’s health and well-being is
one of the most important decisions you will make as an animal owner. Pets are an
increasingly important part of people’s lives so veterinarians are being relied upon
to provide more care and information.
In Arizona, there are more than 1,000 licensed
veterinarians. Some are also board certified in specialty areas of veterinary medicine
which provides a strong referral network for pet owners whose animals need particular
care.
So how do you determine which veterinarian is right for
your specific pet? The Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AzVMA) recommends taking
the time to do some research.
It’s helpful in the decision-making process to have a
basic knowledge of pet health-care needs. Such information will enable you to ask the
right questions and assess the answers. Getting recommendations from your family and
friends is a good start as long as you take into consideration that their pet’s needs
may be different than yours.
Remember that, first and foremost, you must have confidence
in your veterinarian. He or she should be able to make you feel comfortable asking
questions as well as discussing issues with you. It’s also important that the
veterinary office be clean and well-equipped as well as have staff who are friendly yet
professional. Inquire about taking a tour of the clinic at a convenient time for the
doctor and staff.
Here are some questions to ask when searching for your
pet’s veterinarian.
1) What services are available at the facility (i.e.
general practice, emergency services, specialty medicine, boarding, grooming, behavior and
training)? What are the hours of operation? Is the doctor on an appointment system?
2) Who do you contact in case of after-hours emergencies?
What are the appropriate phone numbers for emergency clinics, poison control centers, etc.
3) What is the veterinarian’s viewpoint on pet health
insurance as it relates to your pet’s specific needs?
4) Does the veterinarian take a medical history and conduct
a complete physical examination? Are specific medical conditions prone to your pet’s
breed discussed along with appropriate preventative and management care? Does the
veterinarian use laboratory tests and X-rays discriminately to confirm a diagnosis?
5) Does the veterinarian have pets of his/her own? Is the
veterinarian gentle with other pets in the office as well as your pet?
6) Are all services, rates, fees and payment terms
explained to you?
7) What vaccinations does the veterinarian recommend and
according to what schedule?
8) What does the veterinarian recommend one include in a
home pet first aid kit? Which medications and dosages is the veterinarian comfortable with
you administering at home...for fever, for diarrhea, for constipation, for insect bites,
for itching, for pain (i.e. arthritis)?
Keep in mind that a happy owner-veterinarian relationship
also requires a cooperative, attentive and concerned pet owner. You may have the best
veterinarian in the world, but it’s up to you to follow instructions and be aware of
your pet’s habits and routines. Since you live with your pet, you can often pick up
early and subtle changes that may warrant a visit to your veterinarian.
And remember, thank your doctor when he or she does a good
job and is interested in your pet’s health. Veterinary professionals like to be
appreciated...by the animals they care for and by their owners.
Being a Responsible Pet Owner
Responsible pet ownership goes beyond making sure
that the food and water bowls are filled each day. It’s more than having fun with
your pet, showing off its photograph, taking it for a walk, and considering it part of the
family.
Pet owners need to be more than emotionally responsible for
their animals. They must be financially responsible as well...in the good times as well as
the bad.
The first step to responsible pet ownership is finding the
right veterinarian for your pet. One who will manage its ongoing, health care needs. The
costs of pet health care should also be considered since these important services should
be included in your budget just like any other family expenditure.
Equally important is knowing the name, phone number, and
address of a pet emergency clinic to use at times when your "regular"
veterinarian isn’t available. This emergency information, along with the daytime
veterinarian’s name, location and phone number, should be permanently posted by your
telephone with your other household emergency numbers including the number to the Poison
Control Center.
Emergencies can come suddenly, unexpectedly, and often at
night or on weekends...times when your veterinarian’s office may not be open. Service
rates at emergency clinics generally are more costly due to the higher operating expenses
for this type of medical practice. These specialized facilities focus on emergency
situations rather than preventative care.
Knowing what to do if your pet has an emergency is equally
as important as knowing where to get help. Having a pet first aid kit in your home and
vehicle (if your pet is a frequent traveler) will enable you to provide immediate aid and
assist in transporting the injured animal.
Learning how to handle an injured animal is essential for
the safety of the people giving the first aid as well as preventing further injury to the
animal. Check a bookstore near you for books on pet health care with chapters dedicated to
emergency care and pet first aid. Some have been written by veterinarians from here in
Arizona.
Recognizing signs which indicate your pet may be in need of
emergency care could mean the difference between life and death. Any of the following
situations call for immediate attention:
*
difficult or rapid breathing
* open
wound
*
persistent vomiting or diarrhea
*
weakness or lethargy
*
crying or extreme restlessness
*
swelling or pain
*
sudden uncharacteristic behavior
*
seizures
* hit
by a car
* any
bleeding
*
prolonged or difficult labor (birthing)
* any
eye injury
*
severe fight with another animal, even if no wounds are obvious
* not
eating food for more than 24 - 48 hours
*
straining as though trying to urinate or defecate
*
tongue or gums that are blue, yellow or white
It’s apparent from the list above that emergencies
take many forms. Some are sudden and others develop over time. But, it’s better to be
safe than sorry. If you have any questions, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal
clinic in your area.
In addition to the practical steps already discussed,
Arizona veterinarians offer some important suggestions for how pet owners can best protect
themselves from overwhelming emergency expenditures....if the unfortunate ever happens.
1) Buy veterinary medical insurance. For a few dollars a
month, pet owners can feel well protected in case an emergency occurs.
2) Use third party credit services that will generate a
payment program for pet owners. Clients can even finance 100% of the charges with no down
payment.
3) Take responsibility for the care your animal requires
and be honest with those providing that care. It is rare that a veterinarian will not make
arrangements with a responsible and regular client who just needs some temporary
assistance in scheduling payments.
4) Put money aside for a rainy day, which includes pet
emergencies. The cost of pet care is still a fraction of what it is in human medicine.
5) Recognize that spaying and neutering reduce health care
needs and costs as well as eliminate potential obstetric and postnatal care which can be
costly. Understand and accept that pets rely on you, their owners, for their health.
6) Communicate on a regular basis with a veterinarian who
is part of your pet care team. And, be sure your pet has an annual check-up.
For more information about your particular pet, talk to
your veterinarian. Because veterinarians care for your pets!
What Should You Feed Your Pet?
The answer to this very complicated question is truly
dependent on an individual pet’s needs. Animals with the greatest need for nutrition
are newborns, pregnant females in the late stages of pregnancy, and nursing mothers.
In growing puppies, especially medium to larger sized
breeds, maintaining a lean body will minimize the risk of nutritionally related orthopedic
disease. That means we should be able to easily see and feel the last two ribs and a
visible waistline should be apparent.
Puppy food is advisable, although larger puppies may be
better off with adult food, or with puppy food for large-breed dogs - something new in the
pet food industry - during their most rapidly growing months. Doing away with free feeding
in favor of measuring a specific quantity and feeding 2 to 3 times daily is more
advantageous in helping to maintain that lean look.
Altering a pet - neutering or spaying - reduces nutritional
needs by 25 percent. An overweight condition is common in middle-aged, altered animals.
Once again, measuring a set amount of food and feeding twice daily is recommended. Daily
exercise is important, too.
How much to feed may be better judged by the animal’s
body condition than the chart on the back of the food bag. That information should serve
only as a guide. Monitoring the body weight monthly is a good way to check on weight
reduction and may also alert you to unacceptable weight loss.
The Association of Animal Food Control Officials (AAFCO)
sets reasonable standards for pet food. Generally speaking, the quality and price of pet
foods correlate. The average altered, middle-aged pet has minimal nutritional
requirements. Any balanced food will do, but, remember, you get what you pay for.
Geriatric foods are restricted in certain nutrients.
Because our older dogs and cats often eat less, feeding more restrictive diets may not be
sufficient to meet nutritional needs. Thus, older pets may be better off eating a balanced
maintenance diet if weight is a problem, or a reducing diet may be appropriate.
What we feed our pets influences their health and
longevity, just as it does in people. Any specific questions should be directed to your
regular veterinarian.
EXERCISING YOUR PET
In many ways, pets are just like human beings. They
need water and food. They need shelter from the elements. They need love and affection.
And, they need exercise.
Regular exercise is the path to optimal health and
happiness for your pet. And just like their human masters, it’s important to identify
what type and level of exercise is appropriate for each individual animal. The age, size,
specie, and breed of animal should be taken into consideration when determining the proper
"exercise routine". Remember that it takes time for humans to "get into
shape" and the same principal applies to our best friends.
Arizona’s natural environment also provides some
challenges for adapting an exercise program, particularly during the warmer months. Just
like humans, pets are subject to heat stress so exercise should be done in the cooler
hours of the early morning. Hot pavements can burn an animal’s pads and water is a
must!
Walking on a leash is probably one of the best and safest
forms of exercise for dogs of all ages. Training your dog to walk or jog on a leash at an
early age will make this a more enjoyable experience for both pet and owner. The distance
and speed of the walks will obviously need to vary depending on the dog’s overall
health.
Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise for many
dogs as it strengthens the cardiovascular system and promotes health muscles and joints.
Some dogs take naturally to water while others shy away. (Most cats do not like
water.) Safety is also a consideration for pet owners when identifying swimming
opportunities. Dogs need to know where pool steps are located for exiting the water;
irrigation canals are NOT designed for canine swimming, and fast-flowing currents in
Arizona streams and rivers can quickly create hazardous situations.
Frisbee catching, mountain climbing, and performance
training can provide a more strenuous form of exercise for both the dog and its owner.
However, just like with people, the chance of injury increases as the level of exercise
increases.
Any activity that involves a lot of jumping and twisting
can result in orthopedic injury. The cruciate ligaments in a dog’s knee are
especially prone to injuries.
The best prevention for these types of injuries is to
perform any jumping activities on a flat, regular surface that offers good footing.
Moderation is also important. Exercising beyond the point
of fatigue greatly increases the risk of injury. It’s important to remember that dogs
usually don’t quit when they are fatigued, therefore, it is up to the pet owner to
know when enough is enough.
The importance of a lean body weight cannot be over
emphasized. The magnitude of the forces in an obese dog’s bones and joints are much
greater, predisposing them to injury.
Cats are by nature prowling hunters and those felines whose
owners allow them outside are able to get exercise by chasing birds and mice, and climbing
trees. Housebound cats are not at risk for the many life-threatening challenges of their
free-roaming cousins; however, they may need some thoughtful "aids" for their
exercise regimes.
A collection of large, strong, cardboard boxes with holes
cut in the sides or a few wide-bore cardboard tubes, will give endless fun as a cat rushes
in and out of the tunnels. A climbing post or tree will be appreciated for
"calisthenics"" as well as a variety of toys that challenge the
feline’s imagination. And, amazing as it seems, it is perfectly feasible to train the
housebound cat to go for walks on a lead.
Following an injury or illness, the level of exercise a pet
receives can often determine the speed and extent of the recovery. Sometimes, the activity
level of a pet may need to be restricted due to medical reasons. Therefore, it is a good
idea to get your pet accustomed to being crate-trained at an early age so that the animal
will easily accept additional confinement necessary for healing.
Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best exercise
program for your pet. By tailoring activities that are appropriate for your dog or cat,
your pet will be healthier and happier…and so will you!
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