Do spayed dogs get hot flashes?

I wrote this up on my personal blog, so in the art of being lazy I am going to copy it here as a Saturday funny-haha-post.

Our first dog, Maggie, was about 6 months old when we adopted her from Capital Area Humane Society. When we adopted her she was intact, but when we picked her up, as we knew would happen, she had been spayed. For the first couple years of her life she slept in a crate at night. But slowly she made her way into our bed. First she took naps, then when I came home from my mastectomy surgery, she slept at my feet (due to the type of surgery I had I had to keep my knees bent so I used her as a way to keep my knees up), and eventually she slept all nights with us. We always made fun of how wish-washy she was about being under the covers one minute, then out and panting, then back under the covers . . . this would go on through the night. When Sasha came into our lives, we noticed that she too, moved in and out of the covers through the night.

I had hot flashes when I started chemo, and they never completely went away though they did lessen with time. Recently, I had my ovaries removed as part of ongoing prevention and also as a way to finalize the decision not to have children. As fully expected, my hot flashes increased both in frequency and intensity. And I noticed that my nightly temperature fluctuations seemed eerily similar to those of Sasha's.

And so I began to wonder...do spayed dogs get hot flashes? (okay I just got a crazy vibe as I read back through this ending with the question that this post sounds like something out of 'Sex and the City'. I can almost hear SJP's voice in my head as I re-read it!).

I have done some preliminary online research and I am not the first to ask this question. However the answers are incredibly unsatisfactory because they mostly fall into a "no they don't because we are removing their ovaries so no estrogen left to go through menopause." Oh yeah? Because let me tell you, my ovaries are completely gone and I have RAGING hot flashes. So this answer just doesn't cut it.

And how would one know? You can't survey a dog. I discussed this with Dr. Mandi here at HELP FIDO , and she immediately had some good questions one could ask a dog: "Do you find yourself trying to lay on cold tile floors? Do you want to hang your head out the window inappropriately in the winter?"
I asked my mother-in-law about her current spayed female, Belle, and her previous spayed female, Chloe (RIP) and she agreed - both dogs exhibited signs consistent with running hot and cold. And neither of her male dogs have.
I don't quite know where I am going with this other that to say that I find it fascinating!

Senior Dogs - Part 2

Well here it is...Part 2 of my discussion on our aging furry friends. This time we will talk about things that should prompt a phone call to your local doggie doctor when it comes to your aging pups.

Regular veterinary examinations (generally every 6 months for wellness exams) are important for dogs of any age. Many people think annual examinations are sufficient, but more frequent exams may been needed based on your pet's health. If you think about things in terms of human versus dog years, dogs age an average of 7 years for every one human year. Taking a dog to the vet only once a year is about equivalent to a human going to a physician every 7 years. This is certainly not frequent enough to make sure our pets are in tip top shape, especially aging pets.

As a dog ages, signs of potentially serious health problems are commonly overlooked by pet owners as "normal for an old dog". It is much better to err on the side of caution and have anything new or unusual in your dog checked out as soon as possible by your veterinarian. Timing is critical for older pets and as such, it is important to report any changes in appetite, behavior, elimination or any new symptoms as soon as they occur.

Arthritis pain - As previously mentioned in Senior Dogs Part 1, there are many medications and treatments available today to help ease the pain and discomfort of arthritis. There are also certain pharmaceuticals that can help prolong the onset of more serious arthritis pain and discomfort. If your dog is exhibiting problems rising, moving around, getting up/down stairs, limping, or chewing at their joints contact your veterinarian.

Bad breath, bleeding gums - Good dental health is important not only for the teeth, mouth and gums, but overall general health as well! As a dog ages, tartar, gum disease (periodontal disease), and tooth loss are all potential problems. Oral cancers, infections, metabolic diseases (kidney disease, Diabetes Mellitus) are also potential causes for bad breath and oral health problems. Certain disease processes like heart disease/failure, kidney disease and diabetes can actually become more serious as a result of bacteria building up in the blood from dental/mouth infections and disease. It is important to take care of your dog's teeth at any age, but it becomes even more of a serious health risk as they age if their teeth are in poor shape.

Sudden blindness, hearing loss, head tilt / staggering - These signs can be seen with a variety of causes such as infection (nervous system, ears, sinuses), poisoning/toxins, age-related vestibular disease (problems with balance/equilibrium), cancer, etc. If you notice any of these signs in your aging pet you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible so a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started as soon as possible. Sudden blindness could be a result of cataracts that develop as a result of diabetes. Cataracts can develop very quickly (over a few days) and you might see very acute changes in your dog's sight.

Change in weight or appetite - Weight loss or gain should be kept track of, as well as any changes in diet or eating habits. Dogs should be fed a diet appropriate for their age and general health. Generally a "senior" type dog food is ok for an aging pet. These diets usually have a lower amount of sodium and protein to keep up with your older dog's changing metabolism and kidney function. Your veterinarian may prescribe a special diet to help treat certain disease processes like kidney, liver or heart disease.

Change in urine output and thirst - Dogs should not drink more water simply because they are old, it's hot out, or they are nervous. The most common causes of increased water intake are diabetes and kidney problems. Urine leakage or having uncontrolled "accidents" also signal problems, either with infection, loss of bladder control, or other underlying disease.
Many of these problems can be treated successfully with medications once they are properly diagnosed by your veterinarian.

Cognitive Dysfunction - Dogs, like humans, can experience age-related dementia. You may see your dog wandering aimlessly through the house, standing in corners or barking/whining at inappropriate times (like in the middle of the night). There are certain medications that can help some dogs with these problems. Consult your veterinarian to see if there is a treatment appropriate for your dog.

Hair loss, itchy skin - This can occur at any age, and should not be ignored whether your dog is 12 days or 12 years old. Dogs can do a lot of damage to their skin by licking, scratching, biting and chewing and can suffer from extreme discomfort as a result of dermatological problems. Some dogs suffer from endocrine (hormonal) diseases including hypothyroidism (discussed in Senior Dogs Part 1) that can cause skin/coat problems. Dogs can also get fleas and ticks at any age. It is important to make an appointment at your veterinarian's office as soon as you discover your dog has a skin problem.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the problems your older furry friend may experience. There are many, many more things that I see on a daily basis, but these are the most common things you should look for. Generally, if your dog is "not himself or herself" in any way, or if you are seeing anything out of the ordinary, then it is time for a check up at the veterinary clinic! Regular checkups and communication with your vet will ensure that you are doing all you can to help your pet to live comfortably and enjoy his or her senior years.

That's all for now!!

National Night Out

National Night Out in Whitehall, OH was held on Tuesday August 5th, and HELP FIDO was there.

What a wonderful event it was! Hundreds of Whitehall residents came out to promote safety in their community and we were happy to provide them with a boatload of information on topics like dog bite prevention, spaying and neutering and our upcoming microchip clinic this fall. I am happy to report that we had more than 50 people sign up for the microchip clinic at the event! The Whitehall City Council members all seemed thankful for our participation and many of them visited our booth to thank us personally. We are certainly grateful to them for giving us the opportunity to provide our services to the good people of their city.

The event was such a success we decided to do it all over again this Saturday, August 9th!! HELP FIDO will be at the Family Fun Day/Music in the Park event in Whitehall from 2-9 pm. We will again be providing citizens with tons of information on various doggie topics like those mentioned above as well as others like shelter adoption, vaccinations, pet insurance and many many more! We hope to see everyone there!!!

This is Dr. Mandi signing out!

Senior Dogs - Part One

Hello all! My last post was about puppies, so I thought I would balance it out this week and talk a little bit about the other end of the spectrum....senior dogs.

As dogs age there are many things we need to think about in terms of their well being.

What things should I expect as my dog ages?
Each dog is different and ages differently. Larger breed dogs age more quickly than smaller breed dogs. But there are some things you will generally see as every dog gets up there in years.

Slowing down - As your dog gets older you may see him/her start to slow down a bit. Generally you may notice subtle changes in how s/he gets up, lays down, and uses stairs. Is there any hesitation or stiffness? Does a change in the weather (rainy, cold) make it worse? Your dog could be suffering from arthritis. Arthritis is common in dogs as they age, particularly large breeds. Arthritis can occur in any joint, most commonly the legs, hips and spine. There are many prescription medications and joint supplements that can be given to your dog to help ease the pain and symptoms of arthritis. Discussing the problem with your veterinarian will help to determine which drug or combination of medications would be best for your best friend. Your veterinarian may recommend simple blood tests to determine if your dog is able to take certain arthritis medications.

Another potential cause of slowing down is hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder common in dogs where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone for your dogs metabolism to work properly. This condition is easily diagnosed with a blood tests and can be treated with proper veterinary care.

Graying around the face, muzzle - Dogs commonly show a bit of gray around the face, or muzzle, at middle age (about 5-6 years depending on the dog). Fortunately, there are no detrimental effects of this color change.

Reduced hearing - As with aging humans, it is common for dogs to lose their hearing to some degree. Sometimes they do become completely deaf. Is your dog hard to wake up after sleeping or does s/he become startled easily if you approach from behind? Does s/he not respond to their name being called? Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn't a lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a veterinary exam should be done to rule out other medical problems, such as an infection, tumors or masses, or foreign objects in the ear. If your dog does experience hearing loss, be sure to protect him/her from hazards, such as cars, children or other animals that s/he may not hear (or see). Dogs can learn to respond well to hand signals. It is a good idea to get your dog used to using these signals when s/he is young so that if hearing loss is a problem later in life these signals can be used instead of verbal commands.

Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - As they age, dog's eyes often show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is usually a normal result of aging caused by the lens of the eye changing shape and is akin to changes that humans experience as they age. Our response is holding the newspaper farther away from our face to see the print. Since dogs cannot read, their response is different. You may see your dog have trouble navigating in the dark, or s/he may not be able to see things well in the distance. The medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis. This is NOT the same as cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque and can be caused by some disease processes like Diabetes. Vision CAN be affected by cataracts. If you think your dog's eyes look different or cloudy in any way, make an appointment with your veterinarian to investigate this further.

Muscle atrophy - Mild loss of muscle mass (thickness), especially of the hind legs, may be seen with old age. Some muscle atrophy, notably on the head and the belly muscles, can signify other potentially serious diseases. Sometimes a decreased muscle thickness is noticeable when a dog has arthritis in a certain limb or in the hips. If you notice any change in your dog's muscle mass, contact your veterinarian to determine if there is a more serious reason for these changes.

Well that's all for now! Next week part two on our older "furry kids"...until then remember, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Puppies and Kids

Hello all. Dr M here again with more helpful tips.

Getting a new puppy when there are human kids in the house can be a very joyful and stressful situation all at once. Here are a few tips that can help to make the transition a smooth and safe one.

- First and foremost DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Think carefully about what breed of dog you want, research that breed very carefully (this is extremely important!!) to make sure it is a good fit for your family and lifestyle, decide whether you want to purchase a pure bred dog from a breeder or if you want to adopt from a shelter/animal rescue/humane society, do you want an adult dog or a young puppy, will you have the time to train a young puppy, can you financially afford a new puppy/dog, can you obtain the proper veterinary care this new member of your family needs, if you rent a home/apartment are dogs allowed and are there any restricted breeds, are there any restricted breeds in your city/state and are there any specific home owner insurance requirements for specific breeds of dogs. Do NOT impulse buy!! This is a pitfall I have almost fallen into myself. It is very easy to walk into a pet store and fall in love with every puppy. These are all very important things to think about before going out and getting that little furry bundle of joy.

- Talk to your children about dogs and puppies. You can even get a few children's books about getting a new puppy. Discuss how fragile puppies are and how important it is to train them properly and how much responsibility it is to have a dog/puppy. Involve the kids in the entire process!

- Ask children not to give their food to the puppy and not to feed him/her from the table. This is difficult with smaller children as it is common for bits of food to fall from a highchair but do your best to get this point across.

- Explain that it is very easy for a small puppy to get hurt and there are things that they should not do to and with the puppy. Small breed and "toy" puppies are VERY fragile and can be very easily injured. It is common for me to see small puppies in my office with broken legs because they were dropped or roughly handled by a child. This can be a very painful and stressful situation for the puppy and is usually a very costly experience for owners. So think twice before getting very small or "toy" dogs if you have toddlers.

- Tell children not to pull on puppy's tail, ears or legs and discourage them from touching or bothering the puppy while he/she is sleeping.

- Show kids the correct way to handle/hold/lift the new puppy. Start with small steps like allowing the child to hold the puppy in their lap while sitting on the floor or in a chair.

- Remind children that the puppy is not a child, and as such, cannot engage in certain play activities that they do like going down a slide, riding on a swing or jumping into a swimming pool.

- It is of course also important to involve the kids in the process. Give children small puppy care chores that they can easily manage. For example, filling the puppy's water dish, hanging up his/her leash after a walk, or putting the puppy's toys away at the end of the day.

- Understand that it is the adults in the household that ultimately are responsible for all of the puppy's care and overall well being.

-Teach kids to respect the puppy's "privacy" when he/she is making potty and when the puppy is in its crate.

- Always, always, always supervise children when they are interacting with a dog/puppy. This will insure that both puppy and child are safe and happy.

By following these simple tips, having a new puppy or dog in your house can truly be a joyful experience for all!

Dr. M's Whitehall Meeting Adventure

Hello all! These are the basics of the testimony I gave on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at the Whitehall City Council meeting in response to our old friend Jackie Thompson's comments concerning "outsiders" running the city of Whitehall. She made her comments at the previous meeting on July 1st. Here goes.....

I would like to take this opportunity to address some comments made by Councilwoman Thompson at the last public meeting.

I am obviously not a resident of Whitehall. I am what Ms. Thompson refers to as an "outsider". I am, however, a Veterinarian working in Whitehall. I am the Veterinarian mentioned by Ms. Thompson during her butchered, self-edited reading of a post she found on a "pit bull" website. I have quietly sat by watching what has unfolded during meeting after meeting of this council. I have come here with many others, taking time out of our busy schedules, taking time away from out families because of our concern for the citizens and animals of Whitehall. Many of us have friends or family in Whitehall. As for me, a large majority of my clients and patients live here. That makes what happens here very important to me. At first, I attended the meetings so that I would be more aware of the situation for the sake of my clients and patients. However, as I learned more, I wanted to get involved. Living most of my life in NYC, and practicing there for several years, afforded me the opportunity to work with many "pit bull" type breeds and as such, I thought I could help to make some positive change here in Whitehall. I must say that I am very pleased with the passing of the new ordinance. But, I know that we have a long way to go with enforcement.

Although many council members expressed that it was what Whitehall citizens said to them that swayed them to vote "yes", I think that what the "outsiders" did in public and behind the scenes was also very important.

I also must say, Ms. Thompson, that you yourself have many times in this forum quoted information and statistics obtained from "outsiders", and mentioned incidents that occurred in "outside" communities when it suited you to support your point of view. However, you vehemently scorned "outsiders" when you addressed the public at the last meeting. I find this the epitome of hypocrisy.

I have spoken to many members of the Whitehall community regarding BSL, and although many are opposed to it, they are reluctant to come forward in public to the council for fear that they may become direct targets for Ms. Thompson and her supporters. This is a downright shame that people should have to feel this way. As a result, many of us "outsiders" thought it would be the right thing to step forward and assist Whitehall citizens in having their voices heard, as well as to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves...the animals.

Also, what happens in Whitehall does not necessarily stay in Whitehall. Individuals from other communities are interested in what happens here because they do not want BSL to come to their municipality.

Aside from my clients and patients residing in this city and my overall concern for them, I also pay Whitehall taxes. So, whether or not you like the fact that I live elsewhere, that alone should make my opinion matter to you.

In addition, I think that Whitehall residents, council and most importantly the MEDIA should be less concerned with "outsiders" who are trying to make positive changes and be more concerned with impostors who are touting imaginary credentials and posing as "experts". Just because someone gives themselves a title does not make it so. Before believing what a person says and taking what they say as gospel, or better yet, putting what they say in print and reporting it to the public as fact, please do your homework and check into their background. Whether they claim to be a veterinarian, behaviorist, an animal rescuer, or what have you.

I think that now that this animal ordinance has passed, EVERYONE needs to work hard to put it into practice to make Whitehall a safer place for its citizens. My hope is that Whitehall will become a model for other communities to follow when it comes to bite prevention, safety, public education and proper animal care.

Thank for your time.

Well, that's it folks. I also have a couple of side notes to add. During my reading of this statement as well as while other individuals (like our own Adam, and a Whitehall citizen who has been very active in the recent events) were reading their own statements, Ms. Thompson donned her familiar smirk and folded arms and occasionally whispered to fellow councilwoman Leslie LaCourte. She was her usual disrespectful self. She then accused the public last night of attacking her and continued on her tirade against "pit bulls", the Whitehall city budget, etc. UNTIL....city attorney Mike Shannon left quietly (I'm not sure if that was in response to Ms. Thompson's comments) and then THE MAYOR pretty much stormed out without a word during her usual anti "pit bull" escapade, followed by the city auditor Kim Maggard. That cut Ms. Thompson short as she seemed quite embarrassed. I never thought anything could stop her ranting...but this pretty much did it! Overall a very entertaining meeting. That's all for now!

4th of July Safety Tips

Hello all! Dr. Mandi here with some 4th of July safety tips for our furry canine friends. Independence Day celebrations can be great fun for us humans, but the noise, visual stimulation and multitude of BBQ leftovers and table scraps can be traumatic and harmful for dogs. By being aware and following a few simple tips, EVERYONE can have a wonderful holiday experience.

DOGS DO NOT LIKE FIREWORKS - Simple enough! Bangs, explosions, bright and flashing lights, screams of delighted children and other 4th of July noises can create confusion and fear for our furry friends. Dogs can occasionally run away from home during these festivities because they are fearful. A dogs sense of hearing is much more acute than a humans - more than 10 times as sensitive! So imagine how scary fireworks can be for them. Also, there is the possibility that some dogs could mistake fireworks for toys and attempt to run after them causing them serious injury. So it is important to KEEP DOGS INSIDE during the festivities for their protection.

KEEP DOGS AWAY FROM DOORS - Because dogs can be under significant stress during this time of year they could possibly cause unnecessary injury to visitors and could also dart out of the door and get lost. Also make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations (especially Rabies) and has a current tag or license on his/her collar, or are microchipped in case any of these situations occur.

CREATE A SPECIAL AREA WHERE YOUR DOG FEELS SAFE - Dogs are den animals. This means they will feel safe in a kennel (dog crate) or small enclosed area like under the bed. This is why dogs hide in places like this when they are frightened. Introducing your dog to a kennel (crate) will create a feeling of safety for them and calm them. I know that my dogs feel much better during the 4th of July or thunderstorms when they are in their kennels with their toys and some fresh water. Also, it is important to try to not make a big deal about the fireworks/noise. When you treat your dog differently during these events you inadvertently reinforce fearful behavior.

KEEP TV OR RADIO ON - This will reduce the noise and bright flashes from scaring your dog.

NO TABLE SCRAPS/BONES - Although it may be tempting to share our Independence Day goodies with our furry friends this can cause some serious harm to them. Bones area ALWAYS a no-no as they can puncture internal organs or cause intestinal obstruction which can lead to serious illness or death. Any type of "human food" treats that are outside a dog's usual diet can cause vomiting and diarrhea which can lead to dehydration, low blood sugar and other serious complications, especially in small dogs. Keep a handful of your dogs treats nearby to give him/her instead of table treats.

CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN - If your dog is so fearful that he is causing himself injury or becoming ill, please call your veterinarian. Your vet may want to prescribe medication/sedative to help your dog cope with their fearfulness.

Following these simple steps can help everyone to have a safe and happy Independence Day. Everyone have a wonderful 4th of July!!

New Legislation Passes In Whitehall

Hello all. Dr. Mandi here to fill everyone in on what happened at the July 1st meeting of the Whitehall City Council. So, first things first...VICTORY. Amendments to Chapter 505 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Whitehall entitled "Animals" were finally adopted. There was only ONE vote against the ordinance and it came from our old friend, you guessed it, Jackie Thompson. Councilwoman Leslie Lacorte surprisingly voted "yes" and added something to the effect that she hopes this doesn't come back against "us".

What does this mean for HELP FIDO and our supporters you might ask? Well it's really just the tip of the iceberg. Now our real work will begin! Getting the legislation passed was only round one. Enforcement is going to be the hard part. Mayor Wolfe will need to get to work on appointing an appeals board, enforcement decisions will need to be made, and word needs to get out to the Whitehall community that there are programs to help them comply with the new laws and to help them to be responsible pet owners. At HELP FIDO we will make ourselves available to help with all steps of the process.

The passing of the revised ordinance wasn't the only notable occurrence at the meeting. As usual, Ms. Thompson was very vocal concerning her opinions on BSL as well as her opinions on HELP FIDO's involvement in Whitehall. She quoted a letter written to a Pit Bull website concerning the drafting of the new legislation which mentioned that a majority of HELP FIDO members were active in helping to re-write existing Whitehall animal laws and that we did not reside in Whitehall. She said that she was "outraged" and "never thought she would see the day when outsiders would come in and dictate how we should live here in Whitehall." What Ms. Thompson doesn't understand is that what happens in Whitehall doesn't stay in Whitehall. The legislation that is passed in that community has the potential to affect all of the surrounding communities. So if BSL is passed in Whitehall, many surrounding communities may consider following the same path. In fact, Ms. Thompson was trying to follow the path of Bexley and Reynoldsburg, and in doing so would not have been a doing a thing to help citizens and instead punishing good responsible members of the community.

It seems funny how Ms. Thompson uses examples and "facts" from communities and municipalities outside of Whitehall when it suits and supports her arguments, however, she is reluctant to let "outsiders" voice their opinion. Isn't that being a bit hypocritical? Hmmmmm Ms. Thompson?

Ms. Thompson also mentioned an "altercation" that occurred at a Whitehall music in the park event a couple of weeks ago. Again she failed to get her facts straight before preaching to the council. She made it sound like there was an incident between several "pit bulls", when in fact the altercation mentioned was between the dog owners and the dogs NEVER got involved. In fact, they never misbehaved or showed aggression in any way. IT WAS THE OWNERS. As usual owner irresponsibility caused the problem and the reputation of the breed suffers as a result.

She also explained that Whitehall is in their "current mess" because previous leaders made poor decisions and the passing of the new animal legislation is, in her opinion, another one. Now here's a question...if Ms. Thompson is so concerned about making poor decisions and is worried about the safety of "her" community wouldn't she have voted yes to the new ordinance hoping that it would at least provide for some increase in safety and quality of life of the residents of Whitehall? Hmmmm.........

There was also some concern by several council members regarding a letter in the Whitehall News that many thought was slanderous towards Ms. Thompson. Here's the link http://tinyurl.com/3z6mhx . Read the letter and decide for yourself but I think it wasn't slanderous at all. Calling for the removal of Ms. Thompson from the city council is simply one person's opinion, nothing slanderous about that.....we live in a democracy where free speech is a right....GOD BLESS AMERICA. Ms. Thompson takes advantage of expressing her opinion about lots of things every chance she gets.....she gives opinions about BSL, about "outsiders", about other city council members, "pit bull" owners (or should we say evil doers)..... Slanderous Ms. Thompson? You know what the say, "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones", I hope you have a lot of Windex Ms. Thompson to clean all of that glass.

Well, that's all for now folks. Onward and upward to continue helping HELP FIDO to fight the good fight in ALL communities.

Canine Heartworm Disease

The mosquitoes are here! Unfortunately, that means that Heartworm disease is here too. And since I have had the displeasure of having to treat a patient for the disease just this past week, I thought it would be a pertinent topic to discuss.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease (dirofilaiasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Contrary to what many individuals believe, just because a dog spends most of the day indoors does NOT mean he/she cannot get heartworm disease. Mosquitoes get into the house....I know this all to well as I am attacked by the critters regularly! It is also a disease that threatens dogs (and cats) throughout all seasons and in all parts of these United States and Canada, especially in warm weather regions.

Heartworms are found in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs (namely the pulmonary arteries) of infected dogs. They live up to 5 years and during this time a female worm can produce millions of offspring (microfilaria). These immature worms cannot complete their life cycle in the dog. This is where our friend the mosquito comes in. The female mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests these immature worms. The worms then develop in the mosquito and are now called infective larvae. They are injected into another unsuspecting dog when the mosquito takes a meal and develop into adult heartworms. After maturing in about 2-3 months they will start reproducing. The disease cannot be spread directly from an infected dog to a healthy dog without the mosquito.

What do Heartworms do to the dog?
Adult heartworms can cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. They interfere with the motion/action of heart valves. Blood supply to other organs is reduced, mostly in the lungs, liver and kidneys leading to malfunction and failure.

Many infected dogs may not show signs of disease for as long as 2 years, but usually by the time these signs are seed the disease is well advanced. Signs can vary depending on number of worms, where they are and how long they have been present. The most obvious signs are a soft, dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, restlessness, lethargy, and exercise intolerance. All signs are most obvious after exercise. Some dogs may even faint. Severely infected dogs can die suddenly during exercise or excitement.

Young heartworms circulate through the body in smaller blood vessels and can block blood flow and deprive oxygen and nutrients to organs. Mostly the liver and lungs are affected.

How is Heartworm Disease diagnosed?
In most cases diagnosis can be made via a simple blood test that can many times be run right at your local veterinary office or can be sent to a veterinary laboratory. Other diagnostic tests are essential to determine if an infected dog can tolerate heartworm treatment. Further blood tests to check for young heartworms, check liver, kidney and other organ function, radiographs (x-rays) of the heart and lungs, Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to check for abnormal heart rhythm and Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the dog's heart) to look at heart chambers and even see worms in the heart are a very important of diagnosis and treatment in the infected dog.

How is Heartworm Disease treated?
There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms, although fatalities are now more rare then they used to be. One older drug used to treat heartworms contained arsenic, so toxic effects and reactions were more common. A newer drug is now available that does not have such harmful side effects, so we can now successfully treat about 90% of heartworm cases. This drug is given by injection twice, 24 hours apart. It kills adult worms. In more serious infections these injections may be given 30 days apart. Your veterinarian can discuss in more detail the follow up instructions once an infected dog is treated as well as side effects that may occur. Other drugs may need to be given to these dogs to treat additional symptoms of heartworm disease. Some dogs have lifelong problems with heart disease and failure even after the worms are gone.

Dogs that are far advanced in the disease usually cannot be successfully treated and usually succumb to organ failure within a few weeks or months.

How can Heartworm Disease be prevented?
There are many effective and safe heartworm prevention products available through your veterinarian. Most of them are chewable tablets or are in beefy treat form. There is also a topical form that can be applied. Generics are even now available providing a cost effective way to prevent this disease from affecting your best friend! Monthly administration is very important and most veterinarians recommend giving the prevention year-round. Even if given year round it is still important that your dog be tested periodically as advised by your veterinarian because no medication is 100% effective. Dogs that are only on prevention during warm weather months must be tested every 6-12 months before re-starting the medication. Re-starting medication without testing can be harmful or even deadly to a dog that is unknowingly infected, so it is very important to call your veterinarian if you have skipped even one month of prevention. Puppies are usually started on prevention without testing first because their potential for exposure prior to giving medication is very low.

So PLEASE everyone....,make sure your best friend is protected from this deadly disease. Get your dog tested and on prevention!! Dang those pesky mosquitoes!!

Heat Stroke Question

Thanks to Adam for leaving a comment regarding "Summer Safety Tips" asking: "Dr. M, regarding first aid for heat stroke, what does applying rubbing alcohol to dogs paw pads do?" .

Well Adam, dogs dispell heat from their bodies in 2 main ways. First, they pant. This is the main way for them to cool down. They also have sweat glands in between their paw pads. This is the only place on the doggie body that has a significant number of sweat glands. Placing alcohol on the paws tends to cool them down because the rapid evaporation of the alcohol helps to dissipate body heat quickly, thus helping to decrease the body's internal temperature. I hope this helps clarify things for you. Thanks for the question!!

Summer Safety Tips

Hello all! Dr. Mandi here again announcing that Summer is upon us!! Along with the warm sunny weather and fun times outdoors comes some special risks for man's (and woman's) best friend. As the temperature rises keep some of these safety concerns and tips to keep your dog cool in mind.

Heat Hazards - If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not ideal shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in. Placing ice cubes in a water bowl is also a good way to keep dogs cool and sometimes you'll even catch them "bobbing" for them!

Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water indoors and out.

Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense. Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.

Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. They can very quickly suffer from heat stroke which can be life threatening. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.

General Health - Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.

Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers. If you are at all in question regarding a lawn product call your local veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center.

Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitos which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off your dog.

Beach Tips - Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water. (I cannot stress the importance of cool, fresh water enough!)

Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog's exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside. Be careful to apply in areas where your dog cannot lick the product off!

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day. Make sure you dry your dog's ears inside and out to prevent ear infections. Also, don't allow them to drink sea water as it can make them sick.

Water Safety - If you're swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.

Never throw your dog into the water.

Don't let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly. It is a good idea to fit your dog with a lifepreserver.

If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown. Never leave your dog unattended in water.

Travel By Air - Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening.

Check with your airlines for specific rules, including health certificates and vaccine requirements.
Check for regulations regarding pets in the main cabin of the plane as far as pet carrier size, how many pets allowed to fly per plane and additional fees.

Travel By Car - Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated. Put a sunshade on your car windows.Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.

Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.

Heatstroke - Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.

Early Stages:
-Heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue.
-Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

Advanced Stages:
-White or blue gums.
-Lethargy, unwillingness to move.-Uncontrollable urination or defecation.-Labored, noisy breathing. -Shock.

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down and get to your veterinarian as soon as possible:

-Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paw pads.
-Apply ice packs to the groin area.
-Hose down with water.
-Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.
-Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.

Boarding/Pet Sitting - When boarding your dog or leaving him with a pet sitter make sure you leave detailed instructions especially if your dog needs special care like taking daily medication.

Make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations.

Lastly, and this is the most important tip I can give as a veterinarian, leave a signed letter with your boarding facility or sitter specifically giving them the power to make medical decisions for your dog in case an emergency arises and you cannot be reached.

Hooray for summer!! Make it a safe and happy one for man and beast!

Destructive Chewing

Hello all! My name is Dr. Mandi Maimone. Most call me Dr. Mandi or Dr. M. I am a 2004 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, Ohio and have been in the veterinary business for about 17 years now. I currently practice small animal medicine (which means that the majority of my patients are dogs and cats) in Central Ohio. I am also a founding member of HELP FIDO. Although I now live in the Columbus area, I have lived most of my life in New York City. Much of my work in New York involved interaction with and treatment of bully breed dogs. They are very near and dear to my heart. I also spent time working at The New York Zoological Society also known as the Bronx Zoo. That was lots of fun!!

My purpose here is to provide all of you with medical and behavioral knowledge and information regarding not just bully breeds but all of our furry canine friends. This time around I would like to talk about a behavioral problem all dog owners have had to deal with (including myself!!) and that is CHEWING!

DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING is very common. Puppies investigate their enviornment by sniffing, tasting and perhaps chewing on objects as part of their normal behavior. Adult dogs might chew when they are searching for food, playing or merely as a means of satisfying a natural urge to chew and gnaw on objects. In some cases, chewing might be an attention seeking behavior even if it yields negative attention or results in chasing or scolding by their owners. Anxiety, conflict, or high-arousal situations may result in destruction and chewing of the owner's possessions and perhaps attempts to escape by chewing windows, doors or the area in which the dog is confined.

The dog may chew to escape or roam because of inadequate exercise, stimulation or environmental enrichment. In rare instances, chewing is accompanied by ingestion of inappropriate objects (pica), which may be caused by a compulsive disorder. This can be a very dangerous situation if the dog develops an intestinal obstruction. This is where I come in, since surgery is many times required to remove these obstructive objects. Surgical procedures can be very risky for your pet and can also be very costly to you.

The first step in treating chewing behavior is to IDENTIFY THE UNDERLYING MOTIVATION. Young dogs and puppies that chew inappropriate items may be engaging in play and exploration. Getting into garbage or other food areas is usually a food seeking behavior and may be part of normal dog behavior or may occur when the dog is on a calorie-restricted diet. Dogs that chew at windows, doors or their crates may suffer from separation anxiety, or may be reacting to outside stimuli. Repetitive chewing that is dificult to distract or redirect might be related to obsessive compulsive disorder. Dogs that are diagnosed with this condition may also chew obsessively on certain areas of their own bodies like the carpus (wrist) or hock, causing sores that may take a very long time to heal and require medical treatment. Intact animals (dogs that are not spayed or neutered) may attempt to escape to roam and seek a mate. Dogs with limited opportunity for social interaction, playtime, exercise, walks and poor enviornmental enrichment may chew as a way to combat boredom.

Keeping a daily diary of chewing episodes, frequency and where such episodes occur may help to determine underlying motivation and contributing factors. If the problem occurs when the owner is absent, a videotape may help determine whether separation anxiety or an environmental stimulus such as noise is the source of the problem.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of chewing behavior as well as the reason behind the behavior. Destructive chewing resulting from separation anxiety, noise phobia (such as to thunderstorms or fireworks) or territorial aggression may require consultation with your veterinarian, a board certified behaviorist, trainer or a combination of some or all of these individuals. These dogs frequently require medication (and therefore close veterinary monitoring of administration of medication and possible side effects), which aids in behavioral modification in order to effectively treat them for these problems.

Other destructive chewing behaviors respond to PREVENTIVE MEASURES. You may begin treatment by redirecting chewing to suitable and appealing alternatives, providing sufficient play and exercise, and preventing access to previously chewed items. Avoid all rewards, either purposeful or inadvertant. Keep food completely out of reach, secure trash and garbage, and avoid chasing the dog and playful tugging at "stolen" items. Preventing access to areas where the dog might chew is essential. Baby gates, closed doors, and leash control all help prevent unwanting chewing.

If destructive chewing occurs in confinement, other measures may be needed such as teaching the dog how to be comfortable while confined or treating any underlying anxiety that may be contributing to the behavior.

Provide OUTLETS FOR CHEWING. Rather than focusing on punishment, it is more appropriate to provide acceptable outlets for chewing. Give the dog a choice of chew toys to determine which ones it finds most appealing. Some dogs prefer plastic, nylon or rubber toys while others prefer edible items that are safe to be ingested. Augmenting these toys with food often increases their desirability. For example, my dogs enjoy their Kong rubber chew toy filled with peanut butter. I find that placing the toy in the freezer lengthens the time they are interested in the toy by making the peanut butter last much longer. Be sure to provide durable toys so that small pieces may not be chewed off and ingested, as well as toys that are appropriate your dogs' size and breed.

One side note, it is very important to NEVER, EVER give your dog natural bones to chew on. Natural bones like chicken, pork, steak, rib, turkey, beef or any bone like these can easily splinter causing tearing or puncture of the stomach or intestinal lining, can cause obtruction requiring surgery, or cause severe vomiting and/or diarrhea. Any or all of these conditions can be life threatening to your pet.

Reward your dog with attention and praise for chewing appropriate items. You must also check items regularly and remove any damaged ones to avoid inadvertant ingestion of broken or splintered toys.

SUPERVISION, EXERCISE AND REPRIMANDS are also an important part of the equation as long as they are performed appropriately. Supervise puppies at all times to prevent chewing on inapproapriate objects and to encourage them to use the toys provided. If supervision is not possible, prevent access to any chewable object or area where chewing may occur.

A dog needs ample opportunity to explore and play in a regular, predictable routine, including social interacions, play, training and exercise. For many dogs a daily walk can be very calming and provides exercise and stimulation. Also, formal training classes can be fun and entertaining for both pet and owner.

A dog should be reprimanded for chewing ONLY if it is caught in the act. All reprimands must be immediate, humane and controlled. Inappropriate reprimands can lead to fear and defensive reactions in some dogs, or may serve as a form of negative attention and reinforcement of undesireable behaviors in others.

Another option is to make the areas where the dog is likely to chew adversive. Taste or odor aversion is often the easiest and most practical intervention, but not all pets are deterred by these types of products, especially if no other appropriate outlets for play and exploration are offered. Because chewing is an inherently rewarding behavior, some form of chewing may be a lifelong habit for some dogs. Always make sure you consult your veterinarian before purchasing or using any of these products as some may not be safe for your pet.

Overall, the best advice I can offer is to take the time to discover the reason behind your dogs' destructive chewing and explore your options carefully. You know your pet best. So work with your veterianian, behaviorist, trainer to devise a plan that works for you, your family and your dog. This way everybody is happy in the end.

Thats all for now.

Dr. Mandi
(PS - I need to acknowlegde Dr. Debra F. Horowitz, DVM, Diplomate ACVB, Veterinary Behavior Consultations, St. Louis, Missouri and her article in NAVC Clinician's Brief for some of the information contained in this blog.)

Welcome to the HELP FIDO blog!

As you might have clued in by reading the prior post, this blog will be dedicated to the doings of HELP FIDO. Our vision statement at the top of the page says it all. We have lofty goals but we also have brave hearts and great minds working to reach them. Among our amazing backgrounds we have a paralegal, an accountant, a drummer, a veterinarian, a vet assistant, and a pit bull rescuer. One of our team spent her summer with BAD RAP. Another maintains websites for two other rescue operations, in addition to her own. Another doesn’t even own a bully breed, but wants to make a difference for all dogs. One of our team shows her registered dogs and can speak to the amazing talent bully breed dogs have. One has started a new hobby photographing dogs.

As I said in the speech, we came together mostly as strangers. My husband Brian and I knew Amanda because we adopted Sparky from Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) and her “Bully Breeds” special adoptables program. Amanda and Adam had spoken on the phone a few times, and Adam was a volunteer for CAHS. All of us showed up several times for Whitehall, Ohio’s city council meetings as they mulled over a ban on pit bulls. We started to work together and as a group we started to have a vision…that vision is what you see above.

This blog will document our events and thoughts. Adam and Brian will recap city council meetings and relevant legislative happenings (including action on the recently introduced statewide pit bull ban). Our vet, Dr. Mandi, and vet assistant Tonya, will take questions and answer them in a weekly blog. Feel free to send your questions! Amanda and Lisa can answer obedience and adoption questions. CAHS runs an obedience class just for bully breeds!! Thinking of adopting? Check out our links on the side – remember – “don’t buy while shelter dogs die.”

I plan to use this blog in a rather selfish way. I sit on another Board, but for a breast cancer advocacy organization. My duties there are pretty specific and very hands-off. So I plan to use this blog to flex my writing muscles, wax poetically about our cute pit bulls, about lazy reporters and crazy politicians, and about heroic efforts to help these great dogs. And maybe showcase a photo or two.

So tune in and give us feedback! We hope to announce the launch of our NEW website soon! But if you want to get on our mailing list please sign up!!

Oh and that proposed ban in Whitehall? It failed. They are now considering revised code that will judge a dog based on its actions. Additionally it adds language against dog fighting and cruelty. And we feel we helped make this happen.

HELP FIDO – there’s a new dog in Columbus!!