Showing posts with label veterinarians In Bucks County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterinarians In Bucks County. Show all posts

Jul 9, 2013

Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke
 
Heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature above normal range caused by environmental
conditions. Although normal values for dogs vary slightly, it usually is accepted that body temperatures above 103° F (39° C) are abnormal.

 
Because dogs do not sweat (except to a minor degree through their foot pads & nose), they do not tolerate high environmental temperatures as well as humans do. Dogs depend upon panting to exchange warm air for cool air. But when air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by panting is not an efficient process.
Hyperthermia can become a life threatening situation quickly and requires immediate treatment. Heatstroke generally occurs during the summer when dogs are exposed to hot and humid conditions. Incidence is often increased in early summer before dogs are able to acclimate to the warmer weather. Situations that generally lead to heat stroke are: vigorous exercise, spending extended time outdoors with no shade, or after being left in a hot vehicle with inadequate ventilation. Overweight dogs, brachycephalic breeds (pug, bulldog, Pekingese) puppies, and geriatric dogs are at increased risk for heatstroke.
Symptoms  include:
  • Excessive Panting
  • Restlessness
  • Dehydration
  • Reddened or almost purple gums
  • Rapid heart rate
  • vomiting
  • Wobbly, uncoordinated or drunken gait or movement
  • Unconsciousness in which the dog cannot be stimulated to be awakened

 
Heat stroke leads to cell damage in the blood vessels, brain, and other organ systems. If heatstroke is caught early and treated aggressively the prognosis is often good. However, if clinical signs are severe, multiple organ failure and death may occur.
If you believe your dog may have heatstroke remove your pet from the hot environment, direct a fan towards your dog, and place cool, wet towels on the paws, neck, armpits and groin. Do not use cold water or ice as this will cause vasoconstriction and slow the cooling process. Transport your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
 
 
 
 

Nov 22, 2012

Benefits of Neutering your pets

Benefits of Neutering

A long-term benefit of spaying and neutering is improved health for both cats and dogs. Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer. Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumors.
  1. Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.
    Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
  2. Neutering provides major health benefits for your male.
    Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.
  3. Your spayed female won't go into heat.
    While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house!
  4. Your male dog won't want to roam away from home.
    An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.
  5. Your neutered male will be much better behaved.
    Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.
  6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.
    Don’t use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.
  7. It is highly cost-effective.
    The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!
Client Questions
Q - Isn't it wrong to deprive an animal of the natural right to reproduce?
A - No, it’s wrong to allow these animals to reproduce millions of unwanted offspring that are eventually killed because there aren’t enough responsible homes.
Q - If I find homes for my pet's litters, then I won't contribute to the problem, right?
A - No. Only a finite number of people want pets. So every home you find for your pet’s offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter.
Q - Shouldn't every female pet have at least one litter before being spayed?
A - No. In fact, your pet will be healthier if she never goes into heat.
Studies show that as many as 60% of the castrated males show a decline in unprovoked aggression toward other dogs. In addition, one study showed a decrease of 90% in the tendency of neutered dogs to roam. Animal behavior experts sum up the effects of neutering on pet personality by noting that the procedure causes no basic personality changes except in the cases of roaming and aggression. Activities such as playfulness, activity level, watchful barking and affection-seeking are not changed at all by the neutering.
If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will generally get along better if they are all neutered.
 

Nov 7, 2012

Common Feline Skin Conditions: Protect Your Feline

Common Feline Skin Conditions: Protect Your Feline

Cats can suffer from a variety of different skin disorders, including feline acne, allergic dermatitis, mites and ringworm. If your cat is frequently itching, scratching or licking his skin beyond normal grooming, a skin condition may be the cause.
The first step to treating a skin condition is diagnosis of the specific problem. Many skin conditions share similar symptoms, such as dry or flaky skin. Depending on your cat’s symptoms, a veterinarian may begin by ruling out the most common skin problems.

Fleas

Even if your cat is an indoor pet, another pet in the household may have exposed your cat to fleas. Fleas can trigger allergic dermatitis and cause a host of skin problems. Flea allergy dermatitis is characterized by small bumps covering the inner thighs, base of the tail, and back of the rear legs. A single flea bite can trigger a reaction that lasts for days! Good flea control is essential to preventing allergic dermatitis.

Feline Acne

Feline acne is one of the most common feline skin conditions. That’s right; even cats can suffer from a bad case of pimples! Everything from poor grooming to an allergic reaction may be the underlying cause. For most cats, feline acne will simply clear up by itself. However, if your cat’s acne persists, a medicated shampoo or a prescription ointment will help. If the acne is associated with an allergic reaction, than removing this allergen from the cat’s environment is essential to preventing future skin outbreaks. A veterinary dermatologist can work with pet owners to identify possible allergens.

Dermatitis

Red skin, bumps or inflamed skin are signs of contact dermatitis. Like some cases of feline acne, an environmental trigger causes contact dermatitis. Possible triggers could range from cleaning chemicals used on carpets or floors to rubber or plastic feeding dishes.

Mites

Not all skin problems are confined to a cat’s fur. Mites can also affect the ear. Symptoms of ear mites include constant itching, scratching at the ear, and shaking the ear. Cats with ear mites may also have excess brown wax in the ear canal. Without proper treatment, the constant scratching and itching may lead to a secondary skin infection. With prompt treatment, mite-killing ear drops can clear up the primary problem before secondary infections occur.
A veterinary dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat different skin disorders. Prompt treatment will help prevent secondary infections or complications and keep your feline healthy.
Source:
American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD)

Oct 10, 2012

World of Animals participated in the Paws in the Park 2012

World of Animals participated in the Paws in the Park 2012 Canine Cancer Walk

On Sunday October 7, 2012 World of Animals participated in the Paws in the Park 2012 Canine Cancer Walk. The event was held at Neshaminy State Park from 10am - 3pm. Unfortunately it was a cold rainy day, but it didn't stop people from coming out to support a great cause: Canine Cancer Research. There was a DJ and contests for pets as well as an adoption fair - there are always pets looking for good forever homes. Check out the photos from Sunday, you will see one smart doggie who came prepared with a rain coat and a kitty looking for a new home trying to stay dry under an umbrella! If you know of any future community events - especially those for pets - please let us know we would love to participate







Sep 24, 2012

Choosing Your Pet Dogs

Choosing Your Pet > Dogs


Select your new dog with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. In addition to your new family member's personality, consider its temperament, size, and coat as well. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability or a tendency to bark. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a pet of any kind.
Breed Selection
There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience. Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet. Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and companionable as purebreds.Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.
Selecting A Puppy
A new puppy can be a terrific addition to a family, but with the fun comes responsibility for its care and well-being. Consider and prepare for your puppy's needs before you adopt! Pick a puppy that is active, friendly, and inquisitive. Avoid the one that appears to be afraid of everything or snarls at people. If you select a timid puppy because you feel sorry for it, be aware that such puppies may be fearful throughout their life. Fearful dogs sometimes become aggressive and bite. Balance is the key, so look for a well-rounded animal. The temperament of a puppy's relatives may be an indication of its future behavior. If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, ask to see the dog's parents. Request the names of owners of related dogs. Contact these owners for information about their dogs' behavior and health patterns. A dog's training is an important factor in determining future behavior. Healthy puppies learn quickly. Frequent contact with people early in the puppy's life enhances its adjustment to the human family. Six to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age to acquaint a puppy with its new home. Do not engage in rough games with your new puppy; this may encourage aggression. If you decide on a puppy be prepared for several months of housebreaking and initial medical expenses.
Selecting An Older Dog
You don't have to get a puppy to train it the way you like. You can teach an old dog new tricks. For some families, the best choice is an older housebroken dog whose temperament, size, coat care, and behavior are established. When adopting or buying an adult dog, inquire about its background. Ask shelter personnel or the breeder what they have observed about its personality. Some animals are given to shelters because of behavioral problems. Many good dogs, however, are abandoned simply because their owners can no longer care for them or no longer want them. Sometimes, breeders will place an older dog in a home when its show or breeding days are over. Many people when moving give dogs away. These animals often make excellent companions. Providing a homeless animal with love and security can win you a loyal companion.
Friend or Protector?
Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family

Sep 20, 2012

Veterinarians in Bucks County

Creating A Pet Friendly Yard


PETS_Creating_A_Pet_Friendly_Yard_200.jpg
Yard Plants Can Be Toxic
"A few usual plants you might never think to suspect are baby's breath (for dogs and cats), elephant ears (for dogs and cats), and grapefruit (toxic to dogs, cats and horses)," says Caitlin Williams in Pets and Backyard Poisons.
Jenna Trethewey, a care and playtime provider for pets, suggests keeping your pet's nibble zone clear of these common yard plants and trees that can cause health concerns:
  • Apricot trees
  • Asparagus Fern
  • Aloe
  • Bird of Paradise
  • Grapefruit
  • Lantana
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Oleander
  • Orange
Check in with your veterinarian before you add landscaping plants or purchase a new home with plants that could potentially poison your pets.
Yards can be a shopping center or candy store for pets. Pets often find materials that will harm them. Sometimes objects are forgotten by good intentioned owners. Other times, pets make their own mischief. It is important to ensure that your yard is secure, well maintained, and free of debris, trash and toxic substances.
Creating a pet friendly yard is necessary for your pet's safety and well being. Your budget will thank you for taking the extra effort to patrol your yard from your pet's perspective looking for enticing tidbits that could unknowingly play havoc with their delicate bodies.
Plants "More than 700 plants have been identified as producing physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals," advises the Humane Society of the United States. "Poisonous plants produce a variety of toxic substances and cause reactions ranging from mild nausea to death. Certain animal species may have a peculiar vulnerability to a potentially poisonous plant."
Plants, trees, and shrubs of all shapes and sizes have the potential to be toxic to pets. Animal bodies can be sensitive and each pet will react differently to ingested materials. When planning your backyard planting projects consider safe alternatives to favorites that could harm Fido or Fluffy.
How to Grow a Beautiful, Yet Dog-Safe Garden by geriatric veterinarian Ellen Friedman suggests eliminating foxglove, monkshood or aconitum, lily of the valley, snowball bush (hydrangea buds), and tobacco plant. Pet reactions to ingesting these substances can include irregular heartbeats, nausea, convulsions and seizures.
Bees and Wasps Eliminate or screen around low ground covers, shrubs or plants that attract bees and wasps. Pets interested in the pollen gathering activities can get stung.
Compost Bin "Fence off your compost bin," advises Friedman. "Decaying vegetable matter can send poochy to the vet with a raging upset stomach."
Gates and Fences Make certain all boundary materials are in good repair: eliminate protruding nails, chipped or peeling paint, and gaps that allow or encourage escape.
Grass Cut your grass often. Keep it watered to reduce dust and pests. Remember to rake or use the yard vacuum to pick up cuttings. If you must apply fertilizers and weed killers do so while pets are confined or visiting elsewhere. Always follow the instructions to ensure that treated grass is safe for your pet. Store fertilizers, weed killers, yard and gardening equipment out of reach and away from accessible play areas. Maintain a strict weed removal program since weeds can cause a variety of nasty fanny problems for pets that must potty in them.
Pools, Tubs and Spas Immediately fence or screen these areas. Not all pets are able to swim and those that are may still become trapped under the covers intended as energy savers.
Yard Care Items Tools, equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, weed treatments, repair and building supplies must be securely stored. Remember that anything sharp - no matter its size -- needs to be secured. Glass, plastic, wood, or metal can have edges that could easily slice tender pet skin and paws. Always keep them out of reach of your pets. Curious or bored animals can create their own entertainment. Proper storage gives them less opportunity to get hurt.
Your family veterinarian can provide you with additional suggestions when you share photos of your yard during visits. Walk out your door or through your gate and make your yard pet friendly. Your pet will love you for it!
Sources:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Friedman, Ellen, DVM. How to grow a beautiful, yet dog-safe garden.
Humane Society of the United States. Plants potentially poisonous to pets.
Trethewey, Jenna. Do your dogs ever nibble on the plants outside?
Williams, Caitlin. Pets and backyard poisons