New Health Risk for Dogs that have been "Skunked": Heinz-body Anemia

I am one of the lucky pet owners... my dog has never been sprayed by a skunk. But, If you’ve smelled a skunk once, or if your dog has ever been "skunked" it’s hard to forget the odor.  In fact, one of my pet sitter's dogs recently got skunked and she said it is awful.

After my sitter's dog got skunked I decided to read up on it.. what it is, what it can do to you and your pet, and the science behind it (I know.. I am a complete nerd)... LOL !  

So here is the information I now know about skunks and the new "health risk" recently revealed.

The classic rotten-egg smell is caused by a sulfur compound that is released when an “enemy” comes a little too close for comfort. The skunk’s main line of defense is the two anal glands on either side of its anus. When threatened, the skunk will first hiss and stomp. If the threat continues, the skunk will release its anal glands. Amazingly, skunks can spray up to 15 feet, and with great accuracy.

There are six species of skunks in the northern United States, all of which are easily identified by their black bodies and white stripes — and the nasty smell. Ironically, they have an excellent sense of smell (and hearing), but they cannot see well. They are most active at twilight and nighttime.

What Happens When a Dog Is Skunked?
Usually, a skunked dog immediately starts drooling, squinting, face-rubbing and rolling. The spray can cause conjunctivitis, temporary blindness and vomiting.

Rare Reports of Damage to Red Blood Cells

Shedding some new light on the old skunk story, a recent article I just read explains that in rare cases, a skunked dog can get severe anemia and even die from it!

This is a special form of anemia (a low red blood cell count) called Heinz-body anemia. The skunk spray damages the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, the same way acetaminophen (Tylenol), onions and garlic do. This condition only (and rarely) happens in dogs, but interestingly it seems to mostly occur in Japanese dog breeds (e.g., Shiba Inu, Akita and Tosa).

The treatment is called symptomatic and supportive, which means that veterinarians treat the symptoms as they appear.The article I read mentions two dogs with anemia who were reported to the ASPCA toxicology department: a 2-year-old Pharaoh hound and a 5-year-old boxer. The boxer ended up dying from severe anemia. So again, this condition does not happen only in Japanese breeds. Cats are susceptible to this reaction in theory, but no case has been reported.

If the spray got into a pet’s eyes, clean the eyes with plain water and treat vomiting as needed. Don’t neglect the possible other reactions: your pet should be monitored over 72 hours with blood work (a complete blood count, or CBC, to check the red blood cells and a “chemistry”), especially for heavy exposures or multiple sprays. If signs of anemia occur, then your pet will need IV fluids and possibly a blood transfusion.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell

One common question that pet owners ask their family vet is, “How can I get rid of skunk smell?” Well, here is a recipe for you, called the Krebaum skunk odor removal formula.*

Ingredients:

• 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1-2 tsp liquid dishwashing detergent
• Large dogs: add 1 quart lukewarm water

What to do:

• Mix the above ingredients fresh.
• Apply the formula to your pet, working deeply into the fur. Bathe your pet outdoors!
• Let it set for 5 minutes, then rinse with lots of water. Repeat as necessary.
• Note: Your pet’s fur — as well as clothing, towels and carpeting — may be bleached by the mixture.
• Warning: Do not store the mixture in a closed container! Oxygen needs to escape as it is released by the peroxide.

Personally, I hope you never get "skunked", but if you do, please keep an eye on your pet and if there are any issues, get him or her to your vet immediately.

Is it separation anxiety? What can I do about it?

When my dog was much younger, he hated being left alone.  I knew he had separation anxiety but I wasn't sure and I didn't know what to do about it.

He is much older now and does not suffer from this anymore, but I know there are a lot of you out there that may be experiencing this and would like to know what it is and what can you do about it.

This blog is offer some assistance in helping with separation anxiety with your dog.  So let's get started.

Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit distress and behavior problems when they're left alone. The most common behaviors include:

• Digging and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to reunite with their owners
• Destructive chewing
• Howling, barking, and whining
• Urination and defecation (even with otherwise housetrained dogs)

Is it separation anxiety?
If most, or all, of the following statements are true about your dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem:

• The behavior occurs primarily when he's left alone and typically begins soon after you leave.
• He follows you from room to room whenever you're home.
• He displays effusive, frantic greeting behaviors.
• The behavior occurs whether he's left alone for short or long periods.
• He reacts with excitement, depression, or anxiety to your preparations to leave the house. 

What causes separation anxiety
It's not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don't. But it's important to realize that the destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are part of a panic response. Your dog isn't trying to punish you for leaving him alone.  Following are some common scenarios that can trigger separation anxiety:

• A dog accustomed to constant human companionship is left alone for the first time.
• A dog suffers a traumatic event (from his viewpoint), such as time at a shelter or boarding kennel.
• There's a change in the family's routine or structure or the loss of a family member or other pet.

How to treat minor separation anxiety

• Don't make a big deal out of arrivals and departures. For example, when you arrive home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes then calmly pet him.
• Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you, such as an old T-shirt that you've slept in recently.
• Establish a safety cue—a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you'll be back.
• Consider using an over-the-counter calming product that may reduce fearfulness in dogs.

How to handle a more severe problem
Use the techniques outlined above along with desensitization training. Teach your dog the sit-stay and down-stay commands using positive reinforcement. This training will help him learn that he can remain calmly and happily in one place while you go to another room.

Create a "safe place" to limit your dog's ability to be destructive. A safe place should:

• Confine loosely rather than strictly (a room with a window and distractions rather than total isolation)
• Contain busy toys for distraction
• Have dirty laundry to lend a calming olfactory cue or other safety cues.

What to do in the meantime
It can take time for your dog to unlearn his panic response to your departures. To help you and your dog cope in the short term, consider the following interim solutions:

• Hire a pet sitter/dog walker to come in during the day to give him/her some exercise by walking and playing with your dog.
• Ask your veterinarian about drug therapy. A good anti-anxiety drug shouldn't sedate your dog but simply reduce his overall anxiety.
• Take your dog to a doggie day care facility when you have to be away.
• Take your dog to work with you, if possible.

What won't help

• Punishment. Punishment isn't effective for treating separation anxiety and can make the situation worse. The destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety aren't your dog's revenge for being left alone: they're part of a panic response.
• Another dog. Getting your dog a companion usually doesn't help an anxious dog because his anxiety is the result of his separation from you, not just the result of being alone.
• Crating. Your dog will still engage in anxiety responses inside a crate, and he may urinate, defecate, howl, or even injure himself in an attempt to escape. Instead, create other kinds of "safe places" as described above.
• Radio/TV noise. Leaving the radio or television on won't help (unless the radio or TV is used as a safety cue).
• Obedience training. While formal training is always a good idea, separation anxiety isn't the result of disobedience or lack of training; therefore, it won't help this particular issue.

If you still need help, consult a professional animal behavior specialist for assistance in resolving your dog's issues. 

Dog Breed Showcase: The beautiful Australian Shepherd

So each month I am going to start showcasing a particular breed of dog.  I get a lot of questions from people who are looking to get a dog for their family and are not sure what to get.  My advice.. do LOTS of research first. 

Each breed is different and requires different needs.

Some are couch potatoes and do great in apartments and some require extensive training and exercise... so make sure BEFORE you get the dog you understand what kind of dog he or she is and what they were bred to do.  This way, you won't be surprised when you get home.

Too many pets are abandoned or given to shelters because the owner did not do their research ahead of time and then decided the pet is not right for their family.  This is very sad for the animal.

The video below will give you some insight into this particular breed, so watch and see if this dog is right for your family.

Our first showcase dog for August 2013 is.... (drum roll)... the Australian Shepherd. Yay!!

Please make your decision to get a dog a wise decision.  Do your research, understand why they were bred, what their requirements are, and, if they are right for your family.

If you do this research ahead of time, you and your dog will have a great life together !

My Stupeflix Video - Welcome to Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care, Round Lake, Illinois

Does you dog have allergies? What can you do?

Well, it is allergy season again.. high summer, things are blooming, pollinating, flying around, everyone is sneezing and coughing.. even your dog?

Yes, dogs can get allergies. In fact, it is getting more and more common for pets to have allergies.  There could be a thousand reasons for this but for the one suffering, no one really cares what the reason is, they just need some help in relieving the symptoms.

I am lucky, my dog has never had allergies, but I have quite a few clients dogs that do have them and we do administer medications for those ailments.

Just like people, dogs can show allergic symptoms when their immune systems begin to recognize certain everyday substances—or allergens— as dangerous. Even though these allergens are common in most environments and harmless to most animals, a dog with allergies will have an extreme reaction to them. Allergens can be problematic when inhaled, ingested or contact a dog’s skin. As his body tries to rid itself of these substances, a variety of skin, digestive and respiratory symptoms may appear.

Any dog can develop allergies at any time during his life, but allergic reactions seem to be especially common in terriers, setters, retrievers, and flat-faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and Boston terriers.

What Are the General Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs?

• Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
• Increased scratching
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy)
• Itchy ears and ear infections
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
• Paw chewing/swollen paws
• Constant licking

Allergic dogs may also suffer from secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections, which may cause hair loss, scabs or crusts on the skin.

What Substances Can Dogs Be Allergic To?

• Tree, grass and weed pollens
• Mold spores
• Dust and house dust mites
• Dander
• Feathers
• Cigarette smoke
• Food ingredients (e.g. beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy)
• Prescription drugs
• Fleas and flea-control products (The bite of a single flea can trigger intense itchiness for two to three weeks!)
• Perfumes
• Cleaning products
• Fabrics
• Insecticidal shampoo
• Rubber and plastic materials

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Food?
Yes, but it often takes some detective work to find out what substance is causing the allergic reaction. Dogs with a food allergy will commonly have itchy skin, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, and an elimination diet will most probably be used to determine what food he is allergic to. If your dog is specifically allergic to chicken, for example, you should avoid feeding him any products containing chicken protein or fat.

Please note that food allergies may show up in dogs at any age.

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Allergies?
Visit your veterinarian. After taking a complete history and conducting a physical examination, he or she may be able to determine the source of your dog’s allergic reaction. If not, your vet will most probably recommend skin or blood tests, or a special elimination diet, to find out what's causing the allergic reaction.

How Can Dog Allergies Be Treated?
The best way to treat allergies is to remove the offending allergens from the environment.

Prevention is the best treatment for allergies caused by fleas. Start a flea control program for all of your pets before the season starts. Remember, outdoor pets can carry fleas inside to indoor pets. See your veterinarian for advice about the best flea control products for your dog and the environment.

If dust is the problem, clean your pet's bedding once a week and vacuum at least twice weekly—this includes rugs, curtains and any other materials that gather dust.

Weekly bathing may help relieve itching and remove environmental allergens and pollens from your dog’s skin. Discuss with your vet what prescription shampoos are best, as frequent bathing with the wrong product can dry out skin.

If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, they will need to be put on an exclusive prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet. Once the allergy is determined, your vet will recommend specific foods or a home-cooked diet.

Are There Allergy Medications for Dogs?

Since certain substances cannot be removed from the environment, your vet may recommend medications to control the allergic reaction.

So yes dogs can get allergies, but don't fret, there are ways to help alleviate those awful symptoms.  If you are concerned about your dog possibly having allergies, get them to your vet right away.  The sooner the better.. for all of you !

Pet food and treat recalls - keep your pets safe!

Here we go again... another newscast about the most recent food and pet treat recalls.  We are hearing more and more of these recalls due to the number of ingredients that are coming from overseas. 

This is why I am a distributor of Flint River Ranch All Natural Pet Food.  They are made right here in the USA and all ingredients are safe and natural.  If you are interested in checking them out, please go to http://www.frrco.com/.

Part of your responsibility as a pet parent is to help protect your pet from potentially harmful products. While it is nearly impossible to ensure that your pet will never come in contact with recalled pet food or treats, you can reduce your pet's risk.

I used to work for medical device companies as a Quality Administrator so I frequently went into the FDA database to get alerts on products that were recalled.  You can do the same thing for pet food and treats.

The FDA keeps an extensive list of all pet food recalls.  You can also sign up to get these alerts emailed directly to you. If you would like to keep current on these recalls and sign up for these alerts, please go to:  http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.html

Below are tips to protect your pets from contaminated food and treats and below that is a current list of products recalled in 2013... so far.

Tips for protecting your pets from contaminated food and treats

1. Check the list of recalled pet foods and treats regularly for information about items that have been recalled. 

2. If your pet's food or treats are recalled, immediately stop feeding the product to your pet. Recalled products may be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or thrown away in a secure area not accessible to animals. If you have questions about recalled food or treats or require additional information contact the company that manufactures the product.

3. If your pet may have consumed a recalled product, consult your veterinarian, even if your pet does not appear to have any symptoms.

4. If your pet has become ill or died because of a recalled food or treat, please report it to The FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state.

FDA advisories on recalled pet food and treats
June 18, 2013 : Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
June 12, 2013: Hartz Mountain Corporation Is Voluntarily Recalling One Specific Lot of 1.2 oz. Size of Wardley Betta Fish Food Due to Possible Health Risk
April 22, 2013: Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
April 19, 2013: Merit Bird Company, LLS Recalls Vitae Because of Possible Health Risk
April 5, 2013: Bravo! Issues a Voluntary Recall for Three Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
April 2, 2013: Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
March 22, 2013: Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Woofers Dog Treats Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
March 19, 2013: Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
March 14, 2013: Bravo! Recalls 2 lb Tubes of Chicken Blend-Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats (One Lot Code) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
March 11, 2013: Premium Edge, Diamond Naturals and 4health Dry Cat Food Formulas Voluntarily Recalled Due to Possibility of Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
March 11, 2013: Diggin' Your Dog Recalls Strippin' Chicks Pet Treats Distributed in Colorado and Nevada Due to Possible Salmonella Hazard
March 8, 2013: Steve’s Real Food Recalls Turducken Canine Recipe Patties Because of Posssible Health Risk
February 28, 2013: United Pet Group Inc., Voluntarily Withdraws "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels" Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
February 22, 2013: The Honest Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Limited Lots Of Verve®, Zeal®And Thrive® Products Due To Possible Health Risk
February 22, 2013: Kasel Associates Industries Recalling Certain Pet Treats Due to Salmonella Contamination Boots and Barkley, Colorado Naturals, Nature’s Deli among brands affecteds
February 22, 2013: Kaytee Recalls Bird Treats and Greens Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination from Parsley Flakes
February 21, 2013: Nutri-Vet, LLC Recalls Nutri-Vet and Nutripet Chicken Jerky Products Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
February 19, 2013: Nature's Variety Issues Voluntarily Recall of One Batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula for Dogs & Cats Due to Possible Health Risk
January 27, 2013: The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily withdrawing its Hartz ® Chicken Chews ™ and Hartz ® Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs
January 15, 2013: Milo’s Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers Home-style Dog Treats
January 9, 2013: FDA CVM Update on Jerky Treats

Please check your pets food and treats before buying. As pet parents it is our responsibility to make sure we keep our pets safe !

Dining with your dog in Chicago !

It's that great time of year when everyone is looking to eat "alfresco"... Sitting outside sipping a margarita and dining at some of Chicago's finest establishments.

Now there is a dining guide for all you living in the Chicago area that will allow you to bring your dogs.

How cool is that?

There are a few rules though so below I have listed the rules and the list of dining establishments.

Things to Bring

• ID tags on your dog (including Chicago license if applicable)

• Pick-up bags

• Your dog first aid kit

• Water and a bowl

What to Expect

Dining with your dog can be a fun experience for both of you, provided your dog is ready for the outdoor restaurant environment. Dogs should be well behaved and trained before accompanying you to dinner. It is helpful if you dog knows a "down - stay" or "sit - stay" as it can be very difficult to eat while holding your dog's leash if they are wandering around, not to mention disturbing to other restaurant patrons. Of course there will be food around and most likely waiters carrying trays so your dog should be well-behaved around food-- no begging! Dogs are not allowed inside any place which serves food, so if this is a "self-service" restaurant you will need to have someone who can go inside and order.

Where to Go

Chicago passed a new "Dog Friendly Dining" ordinance effective in 2008. To allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas, restaurants must purchase a Supplement License for Dog Friendly Areas. There are rules and regulations which the restaurants must follow in order to allow dogs and dogs are not allowed to be petted or handled by staff members or fed while at the restaurant. Dogs must have a city license and proof of vaccinations.

We recommend you call ahead before bringing your dog to any restaurant as some restaurants may not allow dogs if they are very busy or on certain nights or times, or may not have their outdoor tables set up depending on the weather.

Dog Friendly Restaurants (alphabetical)

312 Chicago 136 N Lasalle St Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 696-2420

Adobo Grill 1610 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60614 (312) 266-7999

Adobo Grill 2005 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 252-9990

Bad Dog Tavern 4535 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 334-4040

Blackies 755 S Clark St Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 786-1161

Boundary 1932 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 278-1919

Brasserie JO 59 West Hubbard Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 595-0800

Bull and Bear 431 N. Wells Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 527-5973

Charmers 1500 W Jarvis Ave Chicago, IL 60626 (773) 743-2233

Chicago Joe's 2256 W Irving Park Rd Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 478-7000

Daily Bar & Grill 4560 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 561-6198

Dawghaus Cafe 6219 N Sheridan Rd Chicago, IL 60660 (773) 761-3294

Dunlay's On Clark 2600 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 883-6000

Eve 840 N Wabash Ave Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 266-3383

Feast Restaurant & Bar 25 E Delaware Pl Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 337-4001

Finly Mahony's 3701 N Broadway St Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 549-0097

Four Farthings Tavern 2060 N Cleveland Ave Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 935-2060

Four Moon Tavern 1847 W Roscoe St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 929-6666

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar 3358 N Paulina St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 248-5222

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse 1028 N Rush St Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 266-8999

Glunz Bavarian Haus 4128 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 472-4287

Hub 51 51 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 828-0051

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House 1024 N Rush St Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 640-0999

Innjoy 2051 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 394-2066

Jefferson Tap 325 N Jefferson St Loop/West Loop Chicago, IL 60661 (312) 648-0100

Joe's Sports Bar 940 W Weed St Chicago, IL 60642 (312) 337-3486

John's Place 1202 W Webster Ave Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 525-6670

Jury's 4337 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 935-2255

LuxBar 18 E Bellevue Pl Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 642-3400

Moonshine 1824 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 862-8686

Natalino's 1523 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60642 (312) 997-3700

O'Brien's Restaurant 1528 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 787-3131

O'Briens Riverwalk Cafe 45 E Riverwalk S Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 346-3131

PJ Clarkes 1204 N State Pkwy Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 664-1650

Riverview Tavern 1958 W Roscoe St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 248-9523

Rl Restaurant Ralph Lauren 115 E Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 475-1100

Rockit Bar & Grill-Wrigleyville 3700 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 645-4400

Sage 2465 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 348-7243

Scoozi 410 W Huron St Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 943-5900

Small Bar 2049 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-2727

Smoke Daddy Restaurant 1804 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-6656

Southport Lanes & Billiards 3325 N Southport Ave Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 472-6600

The Fifty/50 2047 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 489-5050

Via Carducci la Sorella 1928 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622

Vong Thai Kitchen 6 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 644-8664

So next time you plan on doing out to dinner and sitting outside, it is always more fun when you can bring your best friend.

For more information, please check out:  http://www.chicagocanine.com/dining.html