Kingsbrook Animal Hospital's Blog: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Will my dog lose their hair from chemotherapy?


When dogs go through chemotherapy they do not lose their fur like humans going through chemotherapy lose thir hair. Why?...

"In people, hair grows continually throughout their lives and since chemotherapy drugs usually target rapidly dividing cells, hair loss is common in people undergoing chemo. But in most dogs, the bulk of their fur is not continually growing, so the vast majority of breeds are not affected significantly by this side effect.

Exceptions to this are the few breeds that do have continual hair growth such as Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs. So, while you may notice some thinning of your dog's coat, loss of whiskers, and possibly a change in the texture of your dog's coat, it is unlikely that they will lose much, if any, of their fur. www.fightcaninecancer.com

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Pet Safe Ice Melt


When winter snow and ice arrive many people use ice melters to prevent slips and falls. But did you know that most ice melters contain salt that can injure your pets and children?

Salt-based ice melt products have warnings on their labels regarding the danger they present to pets, children, and the environment. Gaia Enterprises Safe Paw™ Ice Melter is 100% salt-free and is guaranteed pet and child safe (MSDS)! Safe Paw has been used and recommended with confidence for years by veterinarians, animal hospitals, groomers, shelters, and humane societies making it the #1 selling brand!

Safe Paw was recently awarded the PTPA Green Product Seal and was included in the 2009 Whole Green Earth Catalogue.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Microchips Work!!!


A cat named Clyde has been reunited with his owner after a mysterious three-year odyssey in which the long-haired Himalayan strayed 2,400 miles into the Australian Outback.

Ashleigh Sullivan, 19, said she had given up hope of ever finding Clyde after he vanished when he was about 1 year old from her family home near Hobart city in Australia's island state of Tasmania.

"I'm positive he remembers. He's not acting like he's suddenly appeared somewhere and is frantic," Sullivan said as she tearfully held her contented cat.

A nurse found Clyde wandering at a hospital in the remote Queensland state town of Cloncurry and cared for him for four months before taking him to a local vet (she was leaving town and could not take the cat with her).

The vet, Donna Weber, traced Clyde's owner from an identification microchip that was imbedded under the cat's skin.

But no one has a clue how Clyde managed the 185-mile sea journey across the Bass Strait from Tasmania off mainland Australia's southeast coast, and then more than 2,000 miles overland to Cloncurry, deep in the arid interior of the Outback.

An animal transport company returned the cat to Hobart for free — flying most of the way.

"It's pretty special to have him back," Sullivan said. "I'm overwhelmed."

Friday, January 22, 2010

Rescue Me


Hi my name is Jax and this is my wonderful new family. I'm a pure bred Rat Terrier. My new family flew all the way to Jacksonville, Florida to adopt me from a rescue league. There are many rescue leagues that have pure bred dogs up for adoption. So, you don't have to pay a ton of money to purchase from a pet store or breeder (the plane ticket was probably cheaper!)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Lucky Misty!


Misty is a 17-year-old bichon frise who just well may be one of the luckiest dogs ever. Misty had a set of very unfortunate circumstances that left her in a situation that her family was going to have her euthanized. Fortunately for Misty her information made it on to the bichon rescue web sight, and her luck turned around! Shirley Hendel who has worked with bichon rescue for many years drove almost five hours one way to pick up this little dog to adopt and let her live her golden years as a spoiled pampered pooch in her own home. All of us at Kingsbrook would like to thank Shirley and the countless others who help and rescue animals, giving them a much deserved second chance. If you would like more information on bichon rescue please visit

www.mdbichonrescue.com

Friday, January 15, 2010

No creature too small


Dr Cardella examines Mrs. Mouse.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Soft Paws


Hi my name is Mikey. I am a very handsome dog with blue finger nails. No, my mom did not paint them! They are a soft plastic covering called Soft Paws. They help keep me from scratching my mom's hardwood floors. They work really well!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Defining Great Dane


Atilla is a 6 year old Great Dane and weighs 220 lbs!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Semi-Annual Exams



Bagheero came in today for his Semi-Annual exam, Vaccines, and Wellness Diagnostics. Isn't he handsome? His mom made his autumn themed shirt with complementary bowtie. She is so creative! Thanks again Bagheero for being so great and brightening our day!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Fond Farewell


A fond farewell to our friend Izzy

Sunday, January 3, 2010

The Treat Tonnage


Many pet owners love to lavish their pets with between meal treats. What most pet owners don't realize is that all those delectables increase your pets density. Before you give Fiffy or Fido that next Bacon wrapped morsel you may want to consider a healthier option. The number one ailment we see in dogs is obesity. Obese pets can literally be crippled with pain due to osteoarthritis. The easiest way to prevent your loved one from this chronic pain is by keeping Linus lean! This does not mean that you need to cut treats out of you pets diet completely. We actually encourage owners to use treats to reward positive behaviors.Treats are an excellent way to motivate you pet to keep up the good work.Those rewards should be factored into the amount of food your pet consumes each day. Remember that it's not about the size of the treat you give, it's the reward that really matters. That means Lucky will be just as pleased to receive 1/4 of a milkbone as the whole thing.

Commercially available treats are often high in fat, sugar, and sodium. While these things help make the treats delicious, they are also calorie packed. Some single treats can be equivinent to as much as one fourth of a small dog's daily calorie requirements. So how do you still reward your pet without packing on the pounds? Try a healthier alternative such as baby carrots. A ration of 4 baby carrots costs your pet only 24 precious calories. Not bad huh? Greenbeans are only 18 calories for 1 full ounce. If your pet has a sweet tooth, try 1/4 of a medium apple for only 20 little calories. SO if you choose the treats wisely you can still gift your pet without widening his girth!