Dog obedience serves many purposes. It solves many behavior problems and makes our furry companions so much easier to live with. Without proper training, dogs pull their owners along on walks, bark excessively, are destructive around the house, [...]]]> This week Dr. Jyl stopped by with Clio to discuss Obedience Training for dogs.

Dog obedience serves many purposes. It solves many behavior problems and makes our furry companions so much easier to live with. Without proper training, dogs pull their owners along on walks, bark excessively, are destructive around the house, and because of their bad behavior, are often neglected.

The “HEEL” command teaches the dog and owner how to walk together without the dog pulling, and also has many other positive side effects. Once the dog grasps the heel command the owner enjoys the presence of the dog more. Since walks are no longer an ordeal, they are longer and more frequent. This has the added benefit of calming the dog  down. Most dogs do not get enough exercise and this shows with barking, digging, and chewing. With added exercise many behavior problems that sent people to dog classes decrease or disappear.

Obedience courses also train owners how to teach their dogs and how their dogs think. Owners need to understand how their dog thinks: it is not a person

with fur, it is a DOG! Teaching owners to train a dog is much harder than actually training the dog. Many owners want to abandon food or other motivational tools a few weeks into training. They don’t realize the importance of keeping their dog’s interest in training work, and food usually supplies that interest.

Other commands such as “SIT”, “DOWN”, “STAY” and “COME” teach the dog how to pay attention and how to calm down. A dog on a sit or down stay can’t be jumping on quests.

Of all positive things that training does, the best of all is that it makes your dog a wonderful companion. It is so nice to know that your dog will behave no matter where you go, that your neighbors will like your pet, and you have the enjoyment of a lifelong companion that doesn’t pull your arms from the sockets if you see a cat.

A great obedience school in the Sacramento area is 4Paws University.

Because animals react to pain differently than humans do, it was once thought that they don’t feel as much pain. Recent work has shown beneficial aspects of pain control for animals. Adequate pain [...]]]> Dr. Jyl stopped by Wednesday to discuss pain relief for pets. Assisting Doctor Jyl was Mark and Julie Cunningham’s dog, Willie.

Because animals react to pain differently than humans do, it was once thought that they don’t feel as much pain. Recent work has shown beneficial aspects of pain control for animals. Adequate pain therapy speeds up recovery and return to normal function.

Owners are in the best position to know whether their pets are in pain because they know the pets’ daily behavior. Slight changes in behavior are often the first clue that animals are in pain. Pets may not eat as well, may not move as well (e.g., up stairs or into cars), may hide more, and may cry or whine in an unusual way. Be astute. Many pets, especially cats, are very stoic when in pain.

What we do to control pain may range from administration of analgesic medications to physical therapy or even acupuncture. New medicinal therapies have fewer side effects than older therapies. Hydrotherapy, massage, laser light, magnets, electro-acupuncture, and electrical energy can also aid in pain relief. Often a combination of modalities may be used. Many of these newer therapies are only now beginning to be evaluated in veterinary patients.

The veterinarian’s first step in treating pain is always to identify the source of the pain. Knowing the location and type of pain will aid the veterinarian in treating the animal. Veterinarians may use some of the same human drugs sold over-the-counter to control pain in animals. However, dosages are very different for animals. A very small amount of improperly dosed drug can cause severe toxicity or death in a pet.  Therefore, if you suspect that your pet is in pain, don’t try to treat it yourself; make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Symptoms: Vomiting shortly after eating; Dry heaves after eating; Diarrhea; Itching

Food Allergies: The most common type of allergy in pets is food-related. Anything can be an allergen. The most common are wheat and corn. Even the meat in your pet’s diet can be at the root cause of your pet’s [...]]]>

Symptoms: Vomiting shortly after eating; Dry heaves after eating; Diarrhea; Itching

Food Allergies: The most common type of allergy in pets is food-related. Anything can be an allergen. The most common are wheat and corn. Even the meat in your pet’s diet can be at the root cause of your pet’s symptoms. Unfortunately most commercial pet foods list wheat or corn as the first ingredient in their products. This can make purchasing food difficult if your pet does in fact have an allergy to wheat and corn. Signs of food related allergies might include vomiting, diarrhea, pattern baldness especially around the eyes and mouth, itchy skin and/or feet and hot spots. The easiest way to cure this problem is to

immediately switch to a food that is wheat, corn free. Also change the meat your animal has been eating. If your animal has never had lamb in his or her diet, you may be able to switch to a lamb and rice food. Turkey, rabbit or fish based foods are also good alternative choices. You may have to start shopping for pet food in specialty stores or through a mail order program but in the long run you will still spend less money purchasing the food then making frequent visits to your veterinarian.

Environmental/Inhalant Allergies: Other reasons for allergies may be chemicals in or around the home. These products are highly toxic and could easily irritate an animal’s skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Animals are much more sensitive to chemicals than humans and if it isn’t safe for you to handle, it is more so for your pet. Unfortunately, it is usually a lengthy and expensive process to figure out what type of allergy each individual may have. So before you spend thousands of dollars on veterinary bills take a look at the ingredients in your pet food, look around your house at all the products you are using, and see if you notice any changes by eliminating those things from your pet’s environment. Take the time from the beginning to think of all the different “influences” your pet has been exposed to. This will save you much time and frustration in a lengthy and often pain-staking effort.

Here are some suggestions of what you can look for: Household cleaners, floor waxes, air fresheners, etc.; Carpet powders; Laundry detergent used to wash bedding for your pet; Pesticides, yard chemicals, fertilizers; Flea and tick preventatives; If all else fails, consult your veterinarian.

What are the most common allergies affecting dogs and cats?

For both animals, the two leading causes of allergic reactions are flea bites and pollen. These are followed by food allergies. There is no one food that is more likely to cause an allergic reaction than others. Corn, wheat, beef, chicken, dairy products, you name it – if it’s eaten, there are some dogs and cats that are going to be allergic to it.

What substances cause an allergic reaction in an animal?

Substances can be any one of a number of things, from pollen, foods, dust, microorganisms.

Do allergies in dogs and cats show themselves in the same way as allergies in people?

They can, but the allergic reactions of dogs and cats usually manifest themselves in the form of itchy skin, rather than runny eyes or watery noses. Even when an animal is allergic to food, the symptoms will show up as a skin rash, as often – or more often – than they will as a gastrointestinal problem.

What is the treatment for allergies?

Eliminating the dog or cat’s exposure to the cause of the allergy is the best treatment. Allergies usually can’t be cured, so try to control the symptoms. You can also build up the animal’s immunity to some allergies through injections of very small amounts of the antigen.

Are dogs more prone to develop allergies than cats? And are any breeds of dogs more prone to develop allergies than others? Dogs with allergies are slightly more common than cats. In terms of breeds, small terriers such as the West Highland, Scottish, and Jack Russell are more prone to flea and pollen allergies, as are Golden Retrievers and Chow Chows.

February is national pet dental health month. This is a national campaign designed to educate pet owners about the importance of proper dental care for your pet. For more information on this national campaign contact www.petdental.com.

Dental care comes in two forms: professional cleaning and polishing at the veterinary clinic, and [...]]]>

February is national pet dental health month. This is a national campaign designed to educate pet owners about the importance of proper dental care for your pet. For more information on this national campaign contact www.petdental.com.

Dental care comes in two forms: professional cleaning and polishing at the veterinary clinic, and brushing at home. If you are unable to brush your pet’s teeth there are products to help dissolve and prevent tartar buildup. These products can be directly added to your pet’s water dish or can be administered directly by pump spray on their teeth and gums (Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene Solution is an example).

Although brushing may be difficult, start your pet at a young age. Begin by simply rubbing your finger gently on the gums. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate and recommend what tooth pastes and or gels to use. (CET flavored toothpaste and Oxyfresh Aloe Vera gel are two examples.) There are also a variety of dental wipes and dissolvable time release gum tablets available. Your veterinarian will know which product is best for your pet.

Proper diets also play an important role in prevention of dental disease. Just like humans, pet’s dental problems begin with plaque, a soft sticky residue that hardens over time into tartar. Tartar buildup leads to gum infections, painful abscesses in the mouth, loss of teeth, and can contribute to heart and kidney disease.

As your pet ages they may require a professional dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian. This may need to be done as often as every 6-18 months. An astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over the age of three already show signs of periodontal disease. Professional dental cleanings are usually performed while your pet is under general anesthesia. Your vet may recommend a complete blood panel, and urinalysis to detect underlying conditions prior to the dental cleaning. Some vets will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication prior to, and after the cleaning. A through physical examination, heart monitor, IV catheter and fluids are also important while the dental procedure is performed.

Regular dental care is important for your pet’s health. Your pet will feel better and avoid illness in later years if his or her teeth are kept clean now. Remember, brushing your pet’s teeth or using other oral preventatives as a regular routine can play an important part of their everyday overall health.

Aging plays an important role in your pets’ life, especially when it comes to determining the quality of your pets’ life and longevity.  Your veterinarian should be able to estimate your pets’ age.

When the gradual onset of health problems occurs in an apparently healthy pet they may often go unnoticed with age. Once [...]]]>

Aging plays an important role in your pets’ life, especially when it comes to determining the quality of your pets’ life and longevity.  Your veterinarian should be able to estimate your pets’ age.

When the gradual onset of health problems occurs in an apparently healthy pet they may often go unnoticed with age. Once symptoms appear, the condition may be too difficult or costly to diagnose or treat. There are many conditions, if diagnosed early, they can be completely reversed or controlled for extended periods of time.

Now there is an easy way for dog owners to determine their pets’ ages in human years. An on-line site called, “DOG AGE” is an innovative tool which based on its studies on scientific data. A free evaluation at www.dogage.com evaluates 40 health and lifestyles for your pet. “Dog Age” calculates whether the dog is older or younger than the average dog. It also provides free health information, weekly tips and health guides to pet owners.

It is important to know age is not a disease. Ask your veterinarian about a complete senior wellness program for your pet to help improve and prolong your pets’ quality of life.

Lyme vaccination is worthwhile if you’re traveling in the Northern [...]]]> Wednesday Dr. Jyl talked with Dewey about camping with your dog. We’re sure many of you are planning outdoor trips with your pets. Here is some great information Dr. Jyl wanted to pass on to you to help protect your dogs while outdoors.

Lyme vaccination is worthwhile if you’re traveling in the Northern California, Oregon, or Washington coastal areas, the northeastern states, or Minnesota and Wisconsin. This is expected to be a very bad “tick year” and you should consider using Frontline since it kills ticks as well as fleas, and is waterproof.

When you apply FRONTLINE to your pet, the active ingredient Fipronil is stored in the natural oils of his/her skin and coat. This provides your pet with protection against fleas and ticks for a month — even after a whole lot

of baths and shampoos (or as many as your pet will sit still for!). In fact, your pet can romp in the rain, splash in the surf and get soaked to his/

her happy heart’s content without losing any protection against fleas and ticks.

Heartworm medication, after a simple test for dogs older than 6 months, is recommended if you’re going along the Pacific Coast north of Monterey; the Sierras, Texas, the Midwest, or the Eastern Coastal states. Monthly medication is also worthwhile if you live in the San Marcos Pass area in California or other areas where hearworms are a common problem.

Giardia vaccination should be given if you’ll be hiking in the local mountains, or in areas that are swampy or are associated with stagnant water or creek beds (In the Santa Barbara area this includes East Beach, the UCSB slough, and Lake Los Carneros).

If you’ll be hiking in the Sierras or the local mountains, Airport Animal Hospital can make up a “rattlesnake kit” in case of an emergency.

Dr. Jyl’s first choice for flea and tick prevention is “Frontline.” [...]]]> Fleas are more than just an itchy nuisance – they can cause serious health problems for our pets and ourselves. Fleas can spread tapeworm. Dogs may also be allergic to flea bites and get a skin condition called flea bite dermatitis.

Dr. Jyl’s first choice for flea and tick prevention is “Frontline.” If your interested in learning more about Frontline, or purchasing it for your pet, call Dr. Jyl.

There’s no shortage of flea control products on the market – foggers, shampoos, collars and dips, plus the latest “spot” treatments. But many of these contain dangerous chemicals like organochlorines, organophosphates and carbamates.

These chemicals in large doses can cause breathing problems, tremors, vomiting, skin irritations, permanent nerve damage and death. Some dogs experience hair loss and sores around the neck from flea collars, plus the chemical fumes given off by the collars can negatively affect everyone in the house.

The drug in the anti-flea pill Program (lufenuron) can concentrate in breast milk, which may cause lethargy, diarrhea and respiratory problems in puppies.

Unfortunately fleas reproduce so quickly, those that survive the chemical barrage have developed resistance to insecticides. We haven’t reduced the flea population so much as built a better flea. In response, flea products have become increasingly complicated. For example, the new monthly “preventatives” like ProSpot are placed on the skin and absorbed into your dog’s blood. When fleas bite your dog, they ingest the insecticide in the blood and die. Unfortunately, this means your dog has a steady stream of poison in her blood, and the fleas all have to bite her before the product works.

Luckily, rather than surrounding your dog with a cloud of chemicals, you can choose from a multitude of remedies that are simpler and safer to use.

Flea-Fighting Foods: Pests and parasites are attracted to dogs that are already weakened by disease or chronic illness. A robust, healthy dog is just not appetizing to bloodsucking critters. The biggest key to flea prevention – and to your dog’s overall health – is good nutrition. A healthy diet of fresh foods will do a lot to keep pests away. During flea season, you may want to add nutritional supplements to better keep pests at bay. One commonly touted flea repellent is brewer’s yeast, which is rich in B-vitamins, but there are conflicting reports on its effective

ness. Brewer’s yeast is a by-product of the brewing industry, and is generally considered not to be of very high quality. Some vets suggest using nutritional yeast instead, and only during flea season, not year-round. However, many dogs are allergic to yeast products. If your dog reacts poorly to yeast, stop using it. Make sure your dog gets enough B Vitamins from other sources, like organ meats, sardines and cottage cheese. Garlic, on the other hand, is almost

universally accepted as good natural flea prevention. Add fresh minced garlic to your dog’s meals, 1/4 clove to two cloves daily, depending on the weight of your dog. Start slowly – some dogs can be sensitive to garlic, leading to flatulence and diarrhea. You may also use high-potency garlic tablets.

Herbal Help: Some recommend making a flea and tick repellent powder from equal parts of the following dried herbs (or as many of these as you can find): rue, wormwood, eucalyptus, rosemary, fennel and yellow dock. Mix the herbs together in a shaker-top jar, and apply sparingly to your pooch, making sure to get at the base of the hairs along the back, neck and belly.

Essential Oils: Plants produce essential oils as their own survival technique to repel bugs. This makes essential oils great pest repellents for animals and humans, too. The oils used should be dilute (not full-strength or “neat”). You can squirt a few drops on braided cotton or twine for a “rechargeable” collar. Essential oils are also available in shampoos, sprays and soaps. Application will have to be done more often than once-a-month flea drops, because the scents will fade. Keep in mind, just because something is “100 percent natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Pennyroyal oil is a component of many natural flea and tick products, but pennyroyal oil (a highly concentrated form of the herb) contains neurotoxic ketones and liver-damaging hepatoxins that can lead to death or cause pregnant dogs to abort. Pennyroyal is inexpensive to produce in mass quantities, which is why it may be so popular in flea control products. There are many essential oils that are not as strong as pennyroyal, but work just as well to repel fleas and ticks. Some flea sprays and treatments contain peppermint, clary sage, citronella and lemon.

Do sheep experience shear terror? If chickens bounce on a trampoline, do you get scrambled eggs?

And there’s the problem of a dog at a water meter with an out‐of‐ order sign, and how does a [...]]]>

Written by Ann DeFrange (Staff Writer). Reprinted from the Oklahoma Press (February 1, 2004)

Do sheep experience shear terror? If chickens bounce on a trampoline, do you get scrambled eggs?

And there’s the problem of a dog at a water meter with an out‐of‐ order sign, and how does a mother cow with a ring in her nose talk to her daughter who wants to have her udders pierced?

Farmers don’t usually concern themselves with such matters. Leigh Rubin, the creator of “Rubes” cartoons, does. And Rubin, who has been drawing the slightly irreverent, highly hilarious cartoons for 19 years, has been discovered by the farming community. His work has found a place in agricultural newspapers and is being sold in farm supply stores.

“Rubes” is syndicated in 400 newspapers, including The Oklahoman, which runs it on Sundays. Rubin has four new books collecting his cartoon panels into a Wild Life series – “The Wild Life of Farm Animals,” “The Wild Life of Cows,” “The Wild Life of Dogs,” and “The Wild Life of Pets” (Bowtie Press, $6.95 each).

Rubin doesn’t claim an agrarian background. “I just like animals,” he said in an interview from his California home. But the agricultural connection pleases him, because farmers “can certainly use a laugh.”

The Rubin family has a dog, an Akita mix, which forces him to exercise and occasionally provides material. They did have a goldfish, which “passed on,” following which they froze the body. “You never know,” he said, “they might find a cure.”

After doing cartoons so long, “Sometimes, I think there are no easy jokes left. How many jokes can there be about cows and pigs and chickens and cats?”

Apparently, quite a few. Rubin acknowledged his jokes are not actually about animals; they’re human humor applied to other creatures. “I put myself in their place,” he said. Occasionally, he hears from the public. They say, “How dare you?” But if someone takes the time to write, he said, “I pay attention.”

Rubin and his brother grew up working in their father’s printing business. The brother is now a “traveling minstrel” who mixes and records music. Their sister is a veterinarian with a television program in Sacramento. “Ask Dr. Jyl” has hosted Leigh Rubin as a guest.

He calls himself an illustrator‐humorist but writes down “cartoonist” when he’s asked for his job description. “It gets attention,” he said.  His theory is that “the strangest, most dangerous animal of all is two‐legged.” His idea of the funniest animal is the cow. For a start, he said, cows look funny.

His wife is a vegetarian. He has assured her that “no animals were harmed in making these cartoons.”

It seems lately I have had an unusual amount of lost critters come my way. I am forever hanging lost pet flyers on phone poles and endlessly driving the Orangevale side streets looking for broken down fences where pets may have escaped. Most people never dream their beloved tail wager will [...]]]>

It seems lately I have had an unusual amount of lost critters come my way. I am forever hanging lost pet flyers on phone poles and endlessly driving the Orangevale side streets looking for broken down fences where pets may have escaped. Most people never dream their beloved tail wager will leave the yard, but sometimes the gate is left unlatched or opened by mistake. Perhaps the gardener, utility company, or old man wind blows it open.

Here is a classic scenario…a dog is lost and has a leather collar but no tags. He is not neutered (by the way an unneutered male can smell a female in heat up to 6 miles away – as if that’s not motivation). Sometimes they have been hit by a car and injured. We take them in and administer emergency treatment to keep them stable. Then the fun begins. My staff quickly jumps on the computer and makes lost pet flyers. Then we scan the animal to check for a microchip. If there is no microchip then we have no way of finding his home, other than to wait. If only the dog was microchipped. The pet could be returned to the owner almost immediately.

The facts are every 2 seconds a family pet is lost. Tragically, most never make it back home because their owners did not properly identify them. If you lost pet is found by a participating shelter, they will check him for a microchip with a special scanner.

So what is a microchip? Microchips were developed by a veterinarian. It is a professional way to identify your pet and it is proven to be safe and effective. A tiny microchip, about the size of a piece of rice, contains a personal, one of a kind identification number.

Microchips can be implanted through a hypodermic needle (just like a vaccination) under the skin. This is an inexpensive procedure (prices vary from $20 – $45), and can be done anytime. Any animal, such as dogs, cats, birds, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, exotics, and even fish, can be microchipped.

Once the animal is microchipped, if the pet is lost it can be traced by participating veterinarians and shelters by a special scanner. When an animal is found and the microchip number is located, they call a 24-hour national hotline. A quick search on a database is done and you, your veterinarian and an alternate contact is called and your pet is on its way home safely. The database is part of a global recovery network that has saved thousands of pet’s lives.

Microchips have save thousands of pet’s lives and prevented grief and heartache for those pets’ families. If you are interested in purchasing a microchip for your pet, please contact your local veterinarian or animal shelter.

Our furry friends are most comfortable in temperatures in the seventies, but are usually fine as temperatures move into the eighties. Ninety and hundred degree temperatures, combined with the effect of the sun in heating the cages themselves are killers for bunnies.

If you think about it, when the temperatures [...]]]>

Our furry friends are most comfortable in temperatures in the seventies, but are usually fine as temperatures move into the eighties. Ninety and hundred degree temperatures, combined with the effect of the sun in heating the cages themselves are killers for bunnies.

If you think about it, when the temperatures get up above 90 degrees, most people head for air conditioning or a swimming pool. Our bunnies can’t do this. It’s up to you to make summer more enjoyable for our pets.

Rabbits can develop heat stroke with very little warning. Once symptoms appear, you have to cool down the rabbit VERY quickly or he will die. Young bunnies, older bunnies, and longer haired rabbits are even more sensitive to the sun.

In the early stages of heat stroke, the rabbit will stretch out and breath rapidly. As heat stroke progresses, they can start sweating around the nose, become lazy and unresponsive, and may eventually start turning blue around the nose.

A bunny with heat stroke is a life threatening emergency (to the bunny, at least!). Immediate first aid treatment is needed. As soon as you notice that your bunny is showing signs of heat stroke, try to cool him down. Get him in a cool place at once! Take him indoors, into the air conditioning.

If you notice the heat stroke early enough, you may be able to stop it from getting worse, and help the bunny get back to normal by giving him plenty of water, preferably containing ice cubes. You can put crushed ice and water in a water bottle. You can also try giving water and ice cubes to him in a bowl. Spray the bunny, especially the ears, with a spray bottle of coo

l water. Place the bunny in front of a fan. Rub water on the ears. Contact your vet to determine if any other measures need to be taken. For example, if your bunny is severely dehydrated, he may need fluid replacement.

Prevention of Heat Stroke Water. Even in winter rabbits must always have fresh water to drink. In the summer time, water is even more critical. Every bunny loves ice cubes in the water. This is a good time to give the bunny an extra water bottle. It’s also not a bad idea to place a bowl of ice in his cage in the morning or early afternoon. As the ice melts, the bunny will have fresh cold water available.

Shading. If your bunny is outdoors, he needs lots of shade. Make sure he has a shelter in his cage where he can escape the sun. The cage itself shouldn’t be in direct sunlight – make sure it’s under some trees, for example.

Ice Bottles. Many breeders take plastic soft drink bottles, fill them with water, and freeze them. In the mornings, the frozen bottles are placed in with the rabbits.

The rabbits can lean up against the bottles to cool down. As the bottles thaw, they cool the surrounding air, making the bunny more comfortable.