The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the approval of Incurin (estriol), the first drug in the United States ever approved for administration in treating hormone-responsive urinary incontinence in dogs.
Urinary incontinence is frequently found in middle-aged to elderly spayed female dogs. This is due to the loss of muscle strength and control in the urethra.
According to a 2007 Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association article, incontinence occurs in up to 20 percent of the spayed female dog population. Most of the time, the dog is completely unaware it is “leaking.” A dog with urinary incontinence may urinate normally, and lab tests may come back normal.
Incurin (estriol) is a natural estrogen hormone. According to the FDA report, the function of the drug is to “increase the resting muscle tone of the urethra in females and can be used to treat female dogs with urinary incontinence due to estrogen depletion.”
Following a placebo study of over 200 spayed dogs, those treated with the drug showed a marked improvement, with fewer incidences of “accidents.” Some of the most common side effects of treatment included “loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive water drinking and swollen vulva.”
Incurin is manufactured by Intervet, a New Jersey-based subsidiary of Merck Animal Health, and will be distributed to veterinarians in the coming months.
Many people are familiar with catnip, but not everyone knows what type of plant it is or the science behind how it affects a cat’s mood and behaviors.
This article will give you some insight on how catnip works, why cats go crazy for it, and whether there’s such a thing as a cat having too much catnip.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb that is a member of the mint family.
It’s a plant that is easy to grow in North America and has feather-like, light-green foliage with lavender flowers.
Catnip leaves have actually been used to make tea, and the flowers are said to relieve coughs. It’s also a main ingredient in some natural bug sprays.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats? How Does Catnip Work?
Cats have an extra scent organ called the vomeronasal gland in the roof of their mouth. This special pathway allows scents that are collected in the nose and mouth to be carried to the brain.
Nepetalactone is the oil that’s found within the catnip plant’s leaves that can cause behavioral changes in cats. F or a cat to be exposed to this substance, they have to smell the catnip.
Catnip mimics feline sex hormones, so cats enjoying this substance will often display behaviors similar to a female cat in heat(although both male and female cats can experience the effects).
These behaviors can include overt signs of affection, relaxation, and happiness. Other cats will display active behaviors, such as playfulness or sometimes even aggression.
For cats that have a positive experience with catnip, it can help reduce anxiety and even relieve pain.
Some veterinarians have recommended using catnip to help with separation anxiety if your cat will be home alone for an extended period of time.
Does Catnip Work on All Cats?
Not all cats will respond to the active compound in catnip. Veterinary studies suggest that about 60% of cats will have a behavioral reaction to catnip.
There is also evidence that a cat’s response to catnip is a dominant trait that’s based on genetics.
How Long Does Catnip Last?
Catnip effects will vary in length, depending on the cat. Usually, the behaviors associated with smelling catnip will last for around 10 minutes and then wear off gradually.
It could then take 30 minutes without smelling catnip for the cat to become susceptible to the effects again.
Catnip does lose its potency over time, so it is recommended to keep it in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Can Kittens Have Catnip?
Catnip is not harmful for kittens, but most cats won’t react to catnip until they are 6 months to 1 year of age.
Some cats can be exceptions to this rule, as they will slowly increase their sensitivity over the years.
Can Cats Eat Catnip? Is It Safe?
Cats can ingest catnip, and it may even be helpful for their digestive tract.
The catnip plant has actually been used in people for its antidiarrheal properties. With this said, it is important to prevent your cat from ingesting large amounts of catnip, as this can cause digestive upset.
Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?
Too much catnip can cause health problems in cats, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or having trouble walking. Use just a little at a time, and you can always discuss the correct amount for your cat with your veterinarian.
Fresh catnip is more potent than the dried form, so you won’t need to give your cat as much of it. It is also recommended to avoid highly concentrated catnip oils due to their potency.
How to Use Catnip
Catnip is available in many forms:
Fresh catnip (growing your own catnip plant)
Dried catnip
Catnip sprays or bubbles
Toys stuffed with dried catnip
Catnip sprays are a good option for cats that get an upset stomach from ingesting the plant. You can spray your cat’s favorite toy or cat tree or cat scratcher. You can also sprinkle dried catnip on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher, or you can roll a toy in it.
Some of the top recommended catnip brands/products include:
Reviewed for accuracy on June 6, 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM
Did you know that your pet could be allergic to everything from their own beds to your other pets? Unfortunately, figuring out what could be causing allergies in your dog or cat can be a lengthy process—and a particularly hard one when dealing with household allergens.
Potential Household Triggers for Your Pet’s Allergies
Here are six unexpected causes of household pet allergies and how to determine if your dog or cat is reacting to them.
Dust Mites
Dust mite allergies are more common than you think, says Dr. Ashley Rossman, DVM, CVA, from Glen Oak Dog & Cat Hospital. In fact, dust mites, molds and pollens are the three major airborne allergens that pets are susceptible to, she says.
While every pet can respond differently—and with varying levels of severity—to dust mites, most pets will demonstrate allergies to dust mites through their skin, says Dr. Rossman.
“They may become itchy, the skin may become red and inflamed,” and they may ultimately suffer with dermatitis, says Dr. Rossman.
“Certain materials and fabrics in your pet’s bed can cause an allergic reaction, but it’s more likely that it is the dust mites causing your pet to have an allergic reaction,” says Dr. Arndt.
“There are hypoallergenic beds on the market, but regardless of the type of bed your pet uses, it is important to wash it frequently to get rid of the dust mites and to remove the dead skin from the bed,” he says.
If that doesn’t help, Dr. Rossman recommends checking if the bed is made with wool, down or feather-based materials, as these are more likely to cause allergic issues.
“I have also seen animals that have contact allergies to wool, found in carpets or sometimes bedding,” says Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM, CVC, CVA, who combines conventional and holistic treatment methods in his practice.
Dr. Rossman says that “100 percent cotton is much less likely to cause an allergic reaction.”
Other Pets
Your pet can actually be allergic to new animals that are introduced into the home. “Pets can be allergic to a new animal, and, just like people, they can develop allergies to dander at any point in their lives,” says Dr. Arndt.
While this isn’t a common allergy, it does happen and could be something to look into if you can’t seem to find any other causes for your pet’s allergy, Dr. Arndt says.
“Typically, allergic pets have reactions to more than one thing in the environment, so it’s best to talk to your veterinarian about finding the source of the allergic reaction before jumping to the conclusion that another pet is the cause,” Dr. Arndt explains.
Chemical Skin Irritants
Contact dermatitis can be caused by a lot of things, with household cleaners ranking high on the list, says Dr. Richter.
“This is a good reason to use all-natural cleaners, as they will be less likely to cause contact dermatitis,” says Dr. Richter.
In addition to abrasive cleaners, you should also watch out for shampoos, detergents, soaps and hair sprays as potential possible contributors to pet allergies, Dr. Rossman says.
“Some laundry detergents and soaps can make fabrics more irritating and thus generate an allergic response, so look for organic, unscented detergents that are free from dyes and perfumes to wash anything your pet sleeps on,” says Dr. Rossman.
The problem with contact dermatitis is that the cause of the problem can be very difficult to determine, as the number of products used in many homes is quite large, explains Dr. Arndt.
“One of the most surprising yet frequent causes of contact dermatitis is seen in dogs who lounge by the pool or swim,” says Dr. Arndt. “Exposure to the chlorine-treated pool water over time can cause an allergic reaction.”
Indoor Plants
There are many indoor and outdoor plants that might trigger an airborne or contact allergic reaction in your pet, says Dr. Arndt. “Any flowering houseplant has the potential to cause pets to have an allergic reaction,” he says. “Symptoms typically occur seasonally and present as itchy skin, excessive grooming, rashes, sneezing and eye discharge.”
No matter what type of houseplants you have, be aware that the potting soil may be harboring mold, which can also cause allergies in your pet, says Dr. Arndt. “To prevent mold in the soil, don’t overwater your plants, and keep them in a well-lit and ventilated room,” Dr. Arndt says.
Smoke
Pets—cats especially—can be very sensitive to smoke, as it is a respiratory irritant, says Dr. Richter. “Smoke of any kind can cause issues, including smoke from cooking,” he explains.
Pets who live in homes with people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis, an allergic reaction that causes itchy skin, says Dr. Arndt. “Some pets can suffer from asthma from inhaling the chemicals and irritants,” he adds.
Other signs that your pet might be having an allergic reaction to smoke include shortness of breath, watery eyes, sneezing or difficulty breathing, says Dr. Rossman. If you suspect your pet is allergic or is showing signs of breathing difficulty, talk to your veterinarian right away.
How to Determine What’s Causing the Allergic Reaction
If you think your furry companion is having an allergic reaction to something in your home, you can always do an elimination trial. “Try thinking about anything new in the home, such as a new laundry detergent, air freshener or cleaning product,” says Dr. Arndt.
If you haven’t added any potential allergens lately, Dr. Richter recommends eliminating as many possible allergens or irritants as possible and seeing if your pet gets better. “Then, you could slowly add things back in and monitor,” says Dr. Richter.
Minimizing the Allergens in Your Home
In addition to removing products that might be causing pet allergies, the best advice is to clean thoroughly, wash bedding often and clean with all-natural materials, says Dr. Richter. “Also, a HEPA filter can help pull dust and pollen out of the air,” says Dr. Richter.
Vacuuming frequently using a high-suction vacuum and disinfecting surfaces regularly are also musts if you share your home with an allergic pet, says Dr. Rossman.
“Changing furnace filters monthly, avoiding wool blankets in the home and adding plug-in air purifiers in every room can also be very effective,” says Dr. Rossman.
Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s allergies and what might be causing them. Your veterinarian can provide more in-depth guidance and can recommend treatment and management options.
Living in California we don’t have winters like the East coast or other states do so for us it’s a year long battle but according to this we all do.
Reviewed and updated for accuracy on November 4, 2019 by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, PhD
Think fleas are just a warm-weather hazard? Not quite.
Though not as prolific during the winter, external parasites like fleas pose a risk to you and your pet’s health during every season.
Here’s why proper flea and tick prevention must be a year-round priority.
Adult Fleas Are a Small Part of the Flea Life Cycle
Fleas don’t travel from place to place in search of a host. They’re opportunists who find a host, then hold on as long as possible. But it’s not just the adult fleas you have to worry about.
After biting, female fleas will feed on your pet’s blood (unless something disturbs them), mate and start laying eggs within 24 to 36 hours, explains Dr. Jason Drake, a board-certified veterinary parasitologist with Elanco Animal Health.
“One female can lay up to 50 eggs per day for more than three months,” Dr. Drake says. “These eggs are laid on the pet, then fall off into the environment, accumulating in the largest numbers wherever the infested pet spends the most time, such as on bedding or on furniture.”
Flea larvae, which resemble maggots, hatch and feed on semi-digested blood that’s present in adult flea feces. They then form a cocoon and pupate in the environment. “Within the cocoon, the flea larva undergoes metamorphosis and eventually emerges from the cocoon as an adult flea.”
Adult fleas emerge from their cocoons when stimulated by vibration, pressure or carbon dioxide emitted from breath, and when temperatures can sustain their survival, says Dr. Drake.
The life cycle then begins again anew.
Can Fleas Survive During the Winter?
“Fleas thrive around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s around this temperature when they complete their entire life cycle within just a few weeks,” Dr. Drake says.
One adult flea can lay many eggs in this short time. But cold temperatures don’t kill flea eggs—they just slow down the life cycle. Fleas can hatch all through the winter.
What about fleas that are in the pupae stage, waiting inside cocoons?
“They can stay within the cocoon up to 30 weeks at 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Dr. Drake.
The most common flea species, Ctenocephalides felis, typically overwinters on hosts or in protected areas (carpet, bedding, etc.), provided temperatures are mild.
“No life stage of the flea (egg, larvae, pupae or adult) can survive near-freezing temperatures for very long,” Dr. Drake says. But that doesn’t mean that your pet is safe from fleas.
Adult fleas can be found on pets and wildlife throughout the winter. “Protected areas—such as areas under homes, barns and wildlife dens—can stay warm and humid enough to support flea infestations through the winter,” he says.
“As temperatures rise in the spring, immature stages of fleas are able to survive in the environment, allowing for adult flea populations to rapidly increase,” explains Dr. Drake.
Do I Need to Treat My Pet for Fleas in the Winter?
The short answer is yes. Failing to protect your pet from fleas during winter can be costly to her health. Flea infestations lead to scratching, itching, skin irritations and infections.
By skipping winter flea treatments, you also put your home and yard at risk for developing a flea infestation once warmer weather returns. Flea infestations are difficult to treat and can be very costly.
That’s why choosing a reliable preventive product is critical. “Because of the large numbers of eggs fleas can lay, it is important to use tick and flea products year-round in order to stop fleas before they establish infestations,” Dr. Drake says.
He explains, “Fast-acting products that kill ticks and fleas quickly are important to help prevent eggs from being produced and to reduce the amount of time ticks and fleas can transmit diseases.”
Talk with your veterinarian to figure out the best year-round flea prevention strategy and product for your pet.
Halloween is a great time of the year for pets and people. The yummy Halloween Candy, the Crazy Costumes, the parties and the happy children. It is a fun tradition, but it is important to remember a few Halloween safety tips to keep your pets happy, healthy and stress-free. These tidbits of advice can ensure that you (and your dog) have a fun (and safe) Halloween.
Avoid Sweets While you and I may enjoy the occasional candy bar, chocolate in all forms can be deadly for dogs and cats. Tin foil and cellophane wrappers are also dangerous if ingested. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Problem Plants Pumpkins, hay and cornstalks make great decorations at this time of year but can produce gastrointestinal upset or even intestinal blockage if ingested by pets. Additionally, be sure to keep Halloween decorations safely out of reach, especially jack-o’-lanterns lighted by candles or electrical cords.
Dog Costume Safety It can be great fun to dress up your pet in a cool Dog Halloween Costume. However, it is wise to be sure your dog or cat is comfortable being in costume. Many pets love the extra attention, but for some it can cause undue stress. Halloween dog costumes should not limit your pet’s ability to see, hear, breathe or move about freely. Avoid costumes with small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces and monitor your pet at all times when he or she is in costume.
Above: Dressing up your pet for Halloween can be lots of fun. This Dog Lion’s Mane Costume is an easy costume choice if your dog is particularly furry.
Doorbell Blues Even the most social pets can become stressed out by a sudden influx of trick-or-treaters or party goers. Know your dog or cat’s limitations and provide a safe, quiet space for them to retreat if you plan on entertaining trick-or-treaters or party guests.
ID Check Take care that your pets don’t try to make a break for the door while you’re greeting trick-or-treaters. If that should happen proper identification can help ensure your dog or cat is quickly returned home. Make sure your dog is wearing a Dog Collar with up to date Dog I.D. Tags.
With a little bit of planning, preparation, and caution, you and your pet can have a fun and safe Halloween.
Every day I watch what they eat. In the park if they pick something up or if someone gave them something. The other day Rudy threw up vial but I haven’t any reason why. Ugh
PetMD sent out this article and being a pet parent I am interested in any information I can use. Enjoy. I hope you can get something useful from it.
3 Remedies for Upset Stomach in Dogs
Katherine Smith, DVM, CVA, CVSMTAug 03, 20205 Min ReadShare this:
When you have an upset stomach, you probably reach for ginger ale or crackers to settle your tummy. But what should you do when your dog’s stomach is out of sorts?
Here’s some information about the causes and symptoms of upset stomach in dogs and tips for how to make your pup feel better with natural remedies.
Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs
There are many reasons your dog may have an upset stomach, though there’s one common cause: they ate something they shouldn’t have, says Kathy Backus, DVM, at Holistic Veterinary Services in Kaysville, Utah.
“Dogs are curious like kids; they’re always putting things in their mouth,” she says. “Vomiting and diarrhea are signs that a dog’s body is trying to expel something that shouldn’t be in their system. In a healthy dog, it’s a protective mechanism of the body that’s totally normal.”
These are a few (of many) things that can trigger an upset stomach in dogs:
Ingesting something that they shouldn’t
Bacterial imbalances within the digestive tract
Chronic conditions such as food sensitivities
Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
The most common signs of upset stomach in dogs are diarrhea and vomiting. If your dog is nauseous, you may also see him eat grass to soothe his stomach or try to induce vomiting, says Jody Bearman, DVM at Anshen Veterinary Acupuncture, Madison, Wisconsin.
Watch for other signs of upset stomach in dogs, such as:
If you realize that your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have—a plant, food, toy, or chemical—you should seek immediate veterinary care.
If your primary veterinarian is unavailable, call your local emergency veterinary hospital. They will be able to advise whether your pet needs to be seen or whether you can continue to monitor him at home.
It is crucial to consult with your veterinarian before administering any home remedies to soothe your pup’s tummy troubles. If your veterinarian recommends at-home monitoring, these are a few ideas you can ask them about trying while you are at home with your dog.
Fasting
When your dog’s stomach is trying to get rid of something, it can be helpful to stop putting more things in their stomach for 12-24 hours, Dr. Backus says. “If the gastrointestinal (GI) system is having a tough time, you don’t want it to digest things.”
Fasting may seem simple enough, but it’s important to speak with your veterinarian first because some dogs (particularly small breeds or those with prior health conditions) cannot tolerate fasting as well as others.
If your veterinarian does recommend fasting, ask whether they would like you to start a bland diet (and what they recommend) after the fasting period is complete.
Ice Cubes
When your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, you want them to stay hydrated, but giving him too much water may make his stomach even more upset, Dr. Backus says.
Monitoring your dog’s water intake and discouraging gulping is important. Offer your dog ice chips to help encourage drinking.
If your dog can keep down small quantities of water or ice chips, you can gradually increase the amount and how often you are offering the water and ice.
Canned Pumpkin
When fighting indigestion and upset stomach in dogs, 100% canned pumpkinis a favorite of many holistic veterinarians.
“It has a low glycemic index, so it slowly absorbs, which helps with upset stomach and digestion,” Dr. Bearman says.
Make sure to get 100% canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix, as you don’t want to feed your dog spices and other ingredients, she says. Check that there are no ingredients listed other than pumpkin (such as sugar or sugar substitutes).
According to Dr. Bearman, smaller dogs (approximately 5 pounds) can be fed one-half teaspoon of canned pumpkin, while larger dogs (approximately 75 pounds) can be fed 1 tablespoon.
Is Upset Stomach in Dogs a Sign of Food Allergies?
An upset stomach every once in a while can be normal in a dog, but if it happens often, it could signal that something is wrong in their GI tract, says Randy Aronson, DVM, of P.A.W.S. Veterinary Center in Tucson, Arizona.
If digestive upset is a frequent occurrence for your dog, discuss the possibility of a food allergy with your veterinarian. When food allergies are diagnosed in dogs, it is often an allergy to a protein source, which is why a more “novel” protein (one that your dog has never eaten) may be recommended.
There are many options on the market, but examples may include beef, buffalo, venison, or lamb.
How to Help Prevent Upset Stomach in Dogs
To help your dog maintain a healthy gut, consider giving them a prebiotic and probiotic, Dr. Aronson says. There are both prebiotics and probiotics that are made specifically for dogs, some of which are available over the counter. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if they have a particular brand recommendation.
Always talk to your veterinarian first to find out the best course of action.
The sets but we work until… we eat at… the dogs hit the park about 6:30 pm.
As we approached you couldn’t see anything but lights in the dark. It is great! I ordered Rudy and Trixie new lights. Theirs are dim in the black. It’s probably hard to see but it’s just about the dogs and their lights.
Fish oils are nutritional supplements with many reported health benefits. For people, fish oils can help reduce the risk of heart attacks, manage high blood pressure and relieve arthritis pain.
With such health benefits for people, you may ask, what are the benefits of fish oil for dogs and cats? In fact, fish oil supplements are one of the most commonly used supplements for pets. Before going through the benefits of fish oil for dogs and cats, let’s first learn about some fish oil basics.
What Are Fish Oil Supplements?
Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are fats that have many important functions in the body, such as providing structure to cell membranes and providing energy for the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning that the body cannot produce them; they must be obtained from the diet.
Fish oil supplements, which come in pill or liquid form, have two types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are primarily found in cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, pollock and trout.
What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil?
Using fish oil for cats and dogs offers several key health benefits:
Reduction of Inflammation
Fish oil supplements are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, EPA and DHA act as cellular signals to reduce inflammation. Therefore, fish oil supplements help manage inflammatory diseases like arthritis and heart disease. Fish oil can also ease the inflammation from skin allergies, helping your pet to feel less itchy.
If your pet has severe arthritis, fish oil supplements can be used along with traditional pet pain medication to maximize pain relief.
Improved Brain Development and Cognitive Function
DHA, in particular, plays a very important role in how the brain develops and functions. In puppies, DHA supplementation can help with learning and retaining various skills.
In older dogs, DHA can reduce the effects of cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to dementia in people. For example, using DHA dog supplements can help an older dog better recognize its family members and not feel so easily disoriented.
Slowed Tumor Growth
Interestingly, fish oils can inhibit tumor growth by stimulating the cancer cells to differentiate (turn into specific cell types). When cells differentiate, they have a limited ability to divide and ultimately survive. DHA has been shown to promote cancer cell differentiation, meaning that the cells cannot continue to divide, and the tumor cannot continue to grow.
Other Benefits
Fish oil supplements have also been shown to reduce abnormal heart rhythms and seizure frequency, as well as reduce levels of triglycerides, which are fats that can be harmful in high amounts.
Giving Fish Oil to Your Pet
There are so many fish oil supplements to choose from, but your veterinarian can help you determine which fish oil is best for your pet. They can recommend high-quality brands and advise you on how much fish oil supplement to give your pet.
Fish oil supplements come in liquid or capsule form. If your pet does not want to swallow a capsule, you can use a small knife to open the capsule, and then pour the contents onto your pet’s food.
Most commercial pet food formulas contain omega-3 fatty acids. However, EPA and DHA can become rancid quickly, so pet food that contains omega-3 needs a proper dog food storage container to prevent the food from going bad.
Also, these pet foods may contain other omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed or canola oil) that do not provide the same benefits as EPA and DHA.
Fish oil supplements are not toxic to dogs and cats, but they do have side effects. The most common is fishy odor on the breath or skin. Other side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort and oily, flaky skin. Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat experiences these side effects with fish oil supplements.
