Understanding Heartworms

With mosquito season upon us, it’s time to think about heartworm disease. Transmitted through mosquito bites, this is a serious parasitic disease that can do major damage to your pet’s heart and other internal organs. Most veterinarians now recommend that you administer heartworm preventatives all year long. However, these toxic medications aren’t benign and, scientifically, they are not necessary for more than a few months per year in our area. With a better understanding of the disease, how it is transmitted and prevention options, you will be able to make an educated, healthier choice for your pet.

Fortunately for our pets, heartworm is not so easy to contact in the Northeast. However, with rescue groups bringing so many dogs from the South to this area now, it has become more prevalent. Per “The Heartworm Handbook” by Melinda Miller, Hospital Director of Smith Ridge Veterinary Center, the mere presence of mosquitoes isn’t enough for a pet to be infected with the parasite. Heartworms have a very complex lifecycle that requires specific species of mosquito and precise timing as the mosquito has to have bitten previously infected animals in order for it to pick up and transmit larvae. Even more important: the larvae picked up by the mosquito can’t mature inside the mosquito and be infective to other animals until there are at least 8 to 14 continuous days of temperatures above 57 degrees day and night.

Since our temperatures in the Northeast limit the potential for exposure to heartworm, is it imperative to treat your pets every month? Heartguard and other treatments are not harmless. They are systemic pesticides. To eliminate unnecessary doses of toxic chemicals for your pet, Smith Ridge Veterinary Center, an integrative veterinary practice in South Salem, NY, recommends the following protocol:

In May of each year: run a SNAP test. If the test is clear, begin administering a heartworm preventative such as Heartgard or Interceptor. These preventatives are proven by research to be 100% effective when given every 45 days. The drug manufacturers convinced the FDA that the public couldn’t remember to administer the preventatives unless it was on a 30 day schedule, despite the fact that they are effective for 45 days (and beyond). That’s the only reason they are labeled for 30 day use. So, as long as you fully comply with the schedule below, the Smith Ridge preventative recommendation for this area is:

June 1 – dose 1 (will kill infection that began between April 15 and May 31)
July 15 – dose 2 (will kill infection that began between June 1 and July 15)
August 31 – dose 3 (will kill infection that began between July 16 and Aug. 31)
October 15 – dose 4 (will kill infection that began between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15)

As you can see above, heartworm preventatives don’t actually prevent infection, they just prevent larvae from maturing into adult worms. It’s the adults that cause harm. These drugs “reach back” to kill off any larvae that may be present. If there is no infection present, your pet is getting toxic chemicals it doesn’t need. The start date of June 1 is actually very conservative as typical April and May temperatures aren’t usually above the 57 degree mark for 8 to 14 days on a 24 hour, continuous basis. And infective transmission won’t occur until that happens. While the use of these toxic chemicals may be a necessary evil, the above schedule at least allows you to minimize your pet’s exposure to them.

Important Note: if you travel with your pet to areas of the country where there are warmer temperatures during the year, this protocol must be adjusted.

There are pet owners who want to eliminate the use of preventatives completely. That can be done, though it does require using 2 different tests and testing twice during the year – and there is still some risk. We recommend you work with a veterinary practice like Smith Ridge if you want to avoid administering preventatives completely.

Think through your options and choose wisely for your pet.

Understanding Vaccines

Spring is here and all of the postcards from your veterinarian start showing up with vaccine reminders. As your pet’s advocate it is important for you to understand vaccines. There is an incredible amount of information and research about vaccines and their side effects. Once considered harmless, benign, and the right thing to do for our pets every year, now we are aware of just the opposite. There is great research that supports limiting vaccines with new guidelines designed to protect our animal companions. Not all veterinarians will agree with limiting vaccines. It is difficult for people to change, even in the face of good information and research. Profit and established beliefs can get in the way of what is best for pets.

Vaccine reactions do occur and are not as uncommon as your veterinarian might lead you to believe. Here is a partial list of vaccine reactions:
Fever, diarrhea, vomiting
Anaphylactic reactions such as: swellings, respiratory distress, hives
Lethargy
Vaccine site swellings, abscesses, granulomas
Autoimmune diseases
Vaccine site cancers
Seizures
Post vaccine induced encephalitis and/or meningitis
Paralysis
Lymphoma
Deterioration of existing illnesses either known or unknown at the time of
the vaccinating.

How do you sort through all the information about what vaccines are really necessary? It really is fairly straight forward. As determined by the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are three core vaccines:
Distemper
Parvo virus
Rabies

The following vaccines are considered non core vaccines by the American Veterinary Medical Associations. The incidence of the diseases is generally low, and some of these are treatable diseases. The Lyme vaccine is highly controversial. Several are generally not protective or only offer a limited amount of protection for only a few strains of the disease.

Non Core Vaccines:
Leptospirosis
Adenovirus
Para
Lyme
Giardia
Corona
Bordetella


Vaccine Guidelines
• Only vaccinate a HEALTHY pet. Never vaccinate a pet when they are about to undergo surgery. Never vaccinate a pet that is fighting cancer. Never vaccinate a pet that is still recovering from an illness or surgery. Any pet with allergies should be considered compromised and vaccinating is not advisable.
• Consider the age of the pet – vaccines are especially hard on senior animals.
• What is your pet’s previous medical and vaccine history?
• Consider your lifestyle and the possibility of your pet’s exposure to disease.

There is no doubt that modern vaccine technology has improved the quality of pet’s lives. Today, with new research and information, the old approach of annual vaccines needs to be questioned and new regimens that offer safe and effective alternatives, needs to be adopted. For many veterinarians, annual vaccinations have been the main reason their clients bring their pets into the practice. Adopting more “wellness visit” programs could take the emphasis off over vaccination; and contribute to our pet’s living longer, healthier lives.

The following link offers an adjusted, minimal vaccine schedule:

http://www.doglogic.com/Dr.Dodd-VaccineSchedule2005.doc

New Years Resolutions for Pets

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pets

Is there anyone out there who is the perfect pet owner? There are always things that can be done to improve our animal companion’s lives. Perfection may not be possible, but there are certainly things to do that will help your pets. Take time to reflect about the important role pets play in your family’s lives. What can you do to make your animal companions happier and healthier? These simple resolutions can add years to your pet’s lives.

Here is our list of New Year’s Resolutions for your pets:
• I resolve to feed the healthiest food possible to my pets. Pet Pantry Warehouse offers a wide variety of quality foods with a range of pricing. Come in and speak with our trained staff about your choices. If you’ve been feeding the same food for over a year, it’s time to switch!
• I resolve to take walks with my dog every day – rain or shine, snow or ice. Your dog will never say “no” to a walk. Dogs crave new scents and sounds so mix it up everyday – explore new routes and find new dog-friendly parks.
• I resolve to learn more about vaccines so I can make better, educated decisions when faced with the “Vaccine Reminder” postcards from the vet.
• I resolve to teach my dog and my cat new tricks. Mental stimulation is so important for your pets. Search online for easy pet tricks. Youtube is loaded with videos of fun tricks, all being taught motivationally. Cats are as trainable as dogs with reward-based training techniques.
• I resolve to play with my pets. Dogs love toys. Pick up all the toys around the house and introduce something new or different each day. Get your cat up and moving. There are so many good interactive cat toys that will put your cat into “hunting” mode.

2011 is going to be a great year. Enjoy and appreciate your pets all year.

Your Cat is a Carnivore

Cats are obligate (true) carnivores. What that means is your cat was meant to eat other animals, not plants or grains. If your cat had the opportunity to hunt for food, he would choose rodents, insects and birds with this prey having high levels of water, protein and moderate fat levels. Cats are designed to utilize fat and protein for energy, with only a nominal requirement for carbohydrates. Putting thought into your cat’s food choices can result in a longer, healthier life. It will yield huge rewards over the lifetime of your cat; helping to avoid life-threatening, painful and costly illnesses.

So many of the diseases plaguing our cats are nutrition related. To name a few:
• Arthritis
• Obesity
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Skin and coat problems
• Chronic vomiting
• Heart disease
Food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease are becoming epidemic in cats. By feeding a diet that closely mimics a natural prey diet, our cat’s bodies are better nourished and healthier. Many of the above listed diseases may be avoided or eliminated

Start checking out labels and look for quality protein and fat. The Pet Pantry Warehouse staff is well trained in label reading and can help you sort out the good stuff from the bad stuff. If you want to start exploring labels, check the first ingredients on the label. Cats have a strong need for high-quality protein. Does the ingredient list start with a specifically named animal protein, e.g. chicken and chicken meal? Or, does it list poultry-by-products as the source of protein. There’s a big difference. Chicken and chicken meal offer high quality protein. Poultry-by-products are the leftover bits (beaks, feathers, and feet) that are swept off the slaughter house floor. Labels beginning with all grains are even more problematic for our cat carnivores. Cats have no dietary need for grains and their bodies are lacking the necessary amino acids and enzymatic pathways to utilize the nutrients.

Fortunately, for cats, the more progressive food companies are offering quality, grain free diets in a variety of formulas and types of food. There are grain free formulas available in raw diets, freeze-dried diets, canned foods and dry foods. Let our staff help you find the best possible food for your carnivore. Many foods may sustain your feline companion’s life. But Pet Pantry wants your cat to thrive, not just survive?

Itchy Dogs-understanding allergies

Just like humans, dogs can have allergies when their immune systems begin to recognize everyday substances, from food to pollen to grass, as dangerous allergens. Any dog can develop allergies at any time of their life. “Allergies are one of the most common problems presented at our vet hospital” says Melinda Miller, hospital director of Smith Ridge Veterinary Center, South Salem, NY. The environment is filled with common allergens that will be innocuous to most animals. But a dog with allergies may react with a variety of symptoms. Allergens may be ingested, inhaled or contact a dog’s skin. As the dog’s body struggles to get rid of the allergic substances, skin, respiratory and digestive issues may occur.

“My own approach to allergies begins with the premise that an allergy isn’t the root cause of the symptoms it manifests. It’s the symptom itself, which flares up when a dog’s immune system has become sensitized to an allergen. This is usually secondary to a buildup over time of toxicity that has affected the immune system. Genetics may be involved: a pet with a family history of allergies is definitely likelier to have them.” Martin Goldstein, DVM.

Here are the general symptoms of allergic dogs:
 Chewing on feet
 General itching and scratching
 Red, flakey, crusty, scabbed skin
 Runny, itchy eyes
 Gunky, itchy ears
 Recurring yeast and bacterial infections
 Chewing the base of the tail
 Sneezing
 Diarrhea and general digestive upsets
 Vomiting
 Constantly licking

If your dog is suffering with any of the above symptoms, pursuing a diagnosis is a worthwhile endeavor. Often this process is easier said than done. Even though allergies are a very common problem, a definitive diagnosis can be evasive. Consult with your vet regarding the types of testing available for determining allergies. Some of the more common allergens are:
 Food
 Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
 Mold
 Dust
 Dander
 Feathers
 Flea and tick products
 Cleaning products
 Pesticides and chemicals sprayed in yards
 Fabrics
 Rubber and plastics

There are steps you can take immediately to help your dog’s body deal with allergies. Getting your dog’s body detoxified would be the first step towards a healthier immune system. Pet Pantry Warehouse offers a wide range of quality foods with a simple ingredient profile that will help to build a stronger immune system. Our staff will take a complete look at everything your dog ingests – from food to treats to chews. Integrative veterinarians also recommend minimizing vaccines and pesticides to aid the detoxifying process.

Dog School-How to choose a good trainer.

It’s that time of year when everyone is thinking “back to school”. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, training is important. The joys and benefits of training your dog are numerous and far outweigh the investment of time and resources. Training builds respect and trust and deepens your relationship with your dog. But how do you choose a good trainer and what are the types of classes available for you and your dog?

Dog training has greatly evolved over the last several decades. Choosing a good, qualified dog trainer can be confusing and challenging. There is no official licensing or certification for dog trainers, although there is one organization that has risen to the top for trainer certification – APDT – American Pet Dog Trainers. They are primarily an educational organization for trainers, with the goal of exposing all types of those enrolled to “humane, science-based training methods.” Additionally, they have a directory of trainers available on their website, www.apdt.com. The website would be a good place to start. There are so many companies and organizations claiming to certify dog trainers. Some are individual trainers offering certifications while others are companies offering franchises to individuals. When considering the hiring of a trainer, it is strongly advised that you check their reputation and their credentials – it can have a large impact on the quality of your relationship with your dog.

Here is a checklist:
• What is the trainer’s reputation with local pet stores, veterinarians, and groomers?
• What is the trainer’s experience and knowledge: how long have they been training? Where did they receive their education and continuing education? Have they earned titles on their dogs?
• How are the trainer’s communication skills – both human and dog?
• How would they describe their training methods? You want to hear terms like: positive, motivational, treats, toys, clicker. If they start trying to sell you an electronic collar for your 8 week old puppy – you may want to look elsewhere as that type of training can have detrimental results.
• You are looking for a training philosophy that is compatible with your personal philosophy, your training needs and your dog’s temperament.
• Training should enhance your relationship with your dog, not damage the trust. You don’t need to dominate a dog to train a dog.

Once you have done your homework and found a trainer you like, your next decision is whether to take private lessons or attend a group class. There are both positives and negatives to the different types of training situations. Private lessons will be more expensive but customized to your dog. Often a focused hour with a good trainer can be more productive than weeks of group classes. It will also depend on your dog. A timid, re-homed rescue may learn much more with a private lesson at home than having to cope with lots of other people and dogs in a strange setting. If you are working out serious behavioral problems, private lessons would be the best.

If you have a new puppy, a group “puppy” class may be your best choice. The class should have strict limits on how old a dog will be accepted into the class. The class should consist of all puppies! This is a great opportunity for your puppy to socialize with other puppies and their people. With all of the distractions of a group class, your puppy will learn to focus on your instructions in spite of all the sights and smells and sounds.

Helpful hints for training your dog:
• Be prepared with the correct style of collar and leash, specified by your trainer.
• Lots of training treats! Your dog defines what a “treat” is – just because the package says it’s a treat, does not mean your dog considers it a reward. It’s your job to find good things your dog loves.
• Make certain your dog has had the opportunity to eliminate before beginning the training class or session. It can be hard to concentrate if he has to go!
• You may want to feed a light meal before your training session.
• Practice, practice, practice. But. . . keep your practice session short and fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re teaching sit, down, come or high five. They are all dog tricks as far as the dog is concerned.
• Train with a smile on your face. You and your dog will enjoy the process more if you’re happy.

The Hazards of Pesticides & Pets

“I think it’s a good idea to minimize pesticide exposure of any sort, not only because of what we know, but because of what we don’t know.”
Donald Weston, University of California-Berkley, February 2010

Contrary to what lawn care companies, veterinarians and chemical companies would have us believe, herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides (bug killers) can be harmful to our pets and to our family. So many products in the marketplace these days are broad spectrum biocides, and by their very nature can harm organisms other than targeted species. This includes you and your family, neighbors, pets, and all other forms of life.

Despite the level of care you may be giving your pets, animal companions are at high risk of being poisoned by home, garden, and pet maintenance practices. Pesticides and herbicides are the culprits. The smaller bodies of our pets make them more susceptible to chemicals, and their behavior patterns make them more likely to be exposed to toxic chemicals. Chemicals that may seem harmless can be a real life and death matter for cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits and other pets. Pets are more vulnerable to pesticides and herbicides because they walk through chemically-treated areas, unknowingly and absorb pesticides through their mouth, nose, and eyes. Pets are also susceptible to secondary poisoning from catching, and eating, poisoned prey. Both dogs and cats eat rodents, mollusks, and bugs – all considered undesirable species often controlled through the use of pesticides.

Flea and tick products that are designed to kill are another known risk for pets. Most people assume the products applied to the back of the dog and cat’s neck stay on top of the animal’s coat and repel, and, therefore, are safe. Quite the contrary. The reality is, these products are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream. The main active ingredient in most spot-on products is a pesticide known as permethrin. It kills insects by paralyzing their nervous system. The product, however, cannot distinguish between an insect’s nervous system, a dog’s nervous system, or a human’s nervous system. If the applied chemical can be absorbed through your pet’s skin, it can also be absorbed through you and your families’ skin when you pet the dog or cat.

“Of course, as bad as these products may be for pet owners and caregivers, they often are worse for the pets themselves. Based on the very limited data available, it appears that hundred and probably thousands of pets have been injured or killed through exposure to pet products containing pesticides. As with small children, pets cannot report when they’re being poisoned at low doses.”
Natural Resources Defense Council

Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products
The good news. . . Pet Pantry Warehouse offers many natural products that will safely control and repel fleas and ticks. Come in and check out our selection of herbal/essential oil dips and sprays for repelling ticks and fleas. Ask our staff about “Tick Tubes” by Damminix. The tubes are self-contained and may be distributed around your yard to attract the mice that carry deer ticks. We have many healthy options for your pets.



Signs your dog or cat is having an adverse reaction to a flea/tick control product:
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Lack of coordination
• Labored breathing
• Increased excitability
• Elevated body temperature
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
If the symptoms continue, contact your vet immediately.