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Barney Likes the PetPlan Newsletter - Check It Out!!

2012-03-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Warmer weather is on its way... and so are a host of seasonal pet health hazards! Protect your
four-legged family members with these tips and fun finds perfect for adding a spring to your pet's step.

Gum Up - 2011 statistics from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center show that xylitol poisoning in pets is on the rise, with a 73% increase in xylitol-poisoning related calls since 2007. With March being Poison Prevention Awareness Month, it is a great time to remind your family members of the household items that are poisonous to your pets, such as xylitol (common in sugar-free gum and candy), raisins, chocolate, human medications, pesticides, onions and more.

Itching for Spring - If your pets are anything like Petplan Dog-in-Chief Wellington, spring gives you a reason to scratch; with the warmer temperatures and greener grass come pollen and other potential allergies. Seasonal allergies, otherwise known as atopy, are often accompanied by bacterial or fungal infections, so getting an early paw on your pet's seasonal scratch can help avoid more troublesome (and costly) complications down the road. If your pet is showing signs of atopy, schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

Puppy Love - St. Patrick's Day isn't the only festive day worth celebrating in March - there's also a day devoted exclusively to puppies! March 23 is National Puppy Day. If you're interested in adding a new four-legged friend to the family, do your research! Knowing the breed characteristics and potential health problems of the puppy you are interested in can help you decide if they are a good fit for your home. And in honor of those roly-poly, fuzzy cuddle machines, check out our top 10 tips for new pet parents!

Vets for Pets
(February blogs to boost your pet prowess!)

Someone Special - While most veterinarians are generalists, veterinary specialists take your pet's care a step further by becoming experts in a particular field, such as neurology or internal medicine. Learn about the different types of specialists available to assist in your pet's care at the Petplan blog.

No Butts About It - Two-leggers aren't the only species harmed by smoking and secondhand smoke. In this blog post, Petplan veterinarian Dr. Kim Smyth clears the air on how smoking negatively affects the health of your best friend as well.

Brush with Fate - Helping your pet maintain good dental health starts at home with a toothbrush (and patience!). Learn how brushing your pet's pearly whites can help provide health benefits far beyond the gumline in this post from the Petplan blog.

And the Petplan Vet of the Year Award goes to... Congratulations to Dr. Alan Stewart, our Petplan 2012 Vet of the Year! Dr. Stewart, of San Francisco Veterinary Specialists in San Francisco, CA, was chosen for his impact on veterinary medicine, his commitment to providing exceptional care to pets and his exemplary customer service to "wow" pet parents.

Petplan received over 3,000 votes from colleagues, clients, friends and family in support of our 10 semi-finalists, and from that list, the Petplan Vet Awards judging panel selected three finalists, including Dr. Stewart, Dr. Corinne Majeska of Companion Pet Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, and Dr. Richard Palmquist of Centinela Animal Hospital in Inglewood, CA. Dr. Stewart (and a guest) will be in attendance at the 2012 World Veterinary Congress in the U.K. in April to accept his award, so stay tuned for the coverage! To learn more about Dr. Stewart and the other finalists selected, visit our 2012 Vet Awards Finalists page.

Open Wide and Say AAHA - Heading to the AAHA Conference in Denver, CO, March 15? Drop by the Petplan booth (#1119) and bark hello to some of our team!

Suds McKenzie - Keep mud and grime away with this handmade vegan, organic cold-processed soap available in a variety of pup-pleasing scents.

Lucky Dog - Help Fido rock the shamrock this St. Patrick's Day with this dirt-dodging Dublin dog collar.

Room with a View - Hepper Pod cat bed offers kitty a cozy, cave-like sanctuary that's high in style and function.

BARC for best friends - In an effort to better inform potential pet parents, the HSUS recently formed a new Dog Breeders Advisory and Resource Council (BARC), with the aim to help consumers recognize the differences between responsible breeders and puppy mills. In partnership with breeders from across the country, The HSUS BARC will work to promote pet adoption and responsible breeding and to educate the public on the ways inhumane puppy mills exploit America's love for furry friends at the expense of unprotected animals. To learn more about BARC, visit The HSUS website.

Help Petplan spread the luck to pets this spring. Click on the Google Plus One button (above "Pet Health + Safety") on the Petplan homepage to help your friends point their paws to Petplan!

Buckle Down - Has the thawing snow given you spring fever? Remember to abide by the basic pet travel safety tips before you head out on the open road with your best friend. Save the lap time for later and keep your pet safely restrained with a pet seatbelt or safety harness while the car is moving to avoid a spring break (or worse) if you have to come to a sudden stop. According to PetTravelCenter.com, a 25 pound dog becomes a 1,000 pound mass in a 40 mph crash; so protect your entire family by keeping them secure.

Neighborhood Watch - Keeping cats indoors not only reduces the danger of them coming face to face with a vehicle or other outdoor hazard, but it can help prevent the spread of certain diseases to humans. A recent study found that domestic cats in urban areas such as Colorado and California can share diseases with wild bobcats and pumas who inhabit the same environment; diseases such as Toxoplasmosis and Bartonellosis - both of which can also be spread to humans - as well as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Big Dreams - We've always assumed our pets dream (why else would they be running in their sleep?), but it turns out the size of your pet determines how long or frequently he dreams. According to Stanley Coren, author of How Dogs Think, big dogs dream longer, while little dogs dream quickly and more frequently. Now if only we knew what they were dreaming about!

Don't lay an egg when it comes to treating your pet with a snack this St. Patrick's Day. While traditional corned beef may be easy to dish out, its high fat content can trigger a bout of pancreatitis. Instead, blend up this delightfully green dish sure to please your pup's palate:

Eggs-Cellently Delicious Eggs

You'll need:
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped carrots
½ cup chopped spinach
2 cups chopped boiled eggs
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
1 tbsp kelp powder
2 tbsp nutritional yeast

To make this recipe:
1. Place veggies in a blender or food processor and blend until minced or pureed, whichever your dog prefers.
2. In a bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with eggs, cottage cheese and kelp powder, and mix thoroughly.
3. Divide into portions appropriate for your pet's caloric intake.

Makes approx. 5 Â½ cups. 160 calories per cup.

For more healthy snack ideas, recipes and nutrition advice for furry friends, check out Dr. Ernie Ward's "Chow Down" feature in every issue of fetch! magazine.

Recipe from Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter — a Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives (2010 HCI).

So long, winter worries! You don't need to have a green thumb to enjoy the rites of spring. Tell us how you and your best friends plan to celebrate the arrival of spring for a chance to win a $25 AMEX gift card!

The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state's approval and coverage may vary by state. Pet insurance policies are issued by AGCS Marine Insurance Company and administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC (Fetch Insurance Agency, LLC in Michigan) d/b/a Petplan (Petplan Insurance Agency, LLC in California). AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, is rated A+ by A.M. Best (2010).


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Rattlesnake Vaccine for Dogs

2012-02-29T08:40:00.003-08:00

Rattlesnake Vaccine and Annual Booster.

Dr. Teliha recommends that all of her canine patients be vaccinated against Rattlesnake bites. This includes an initial vaccine and annual boosters. Rattlesnakes are very common in the Four Points Area and the River Ranch Animal Hospital sees several bites each year. The vaccine and booster can significantly improve treatment. Call us for an appointment today at 331-7889.

Rattlesnakes live in a variety of habitats.

They are found in wetlands, deserts and forests, from sea level to mountain elevations. Rattlesnakes are most active in warmer seasons, from spring to autumn. In southern latitudes, including Central Texas, where they can be found year-round.

Rattlesnake bite is a veterinary emergency.

It results in serious injury or even death to thousands of dogs each year. Rattlesnake venom is a complex mixture of toxins that spreads through a dog’s body following the bite. The Rattlesnake Vaccine was developed specifically to help defend dogs from the dangerous effects of rattlesnake venom. That’s rattlesnake protection that will put you and your dog at ease.

Dogs are at risk for rattlesnake bite.

They can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. You and your dog may live near rattlesnakes. You may travel through or frequently visit places where rattlesnakes are found. Perhaps rattlesnakes live where you take your dog hiking, camping or hunting. Like people, dogs may stumble upon a snake by accident. Curiosity or a protective instinct can place your dog at risk. The Rattlesnake Vaccine helps to protect her.

Damage caused by rattlesnake bite can be serious.

When injected into an unprotected dog, the toxins in snake venom are very painful and can have serious consequences. Even if your dog survives the immediate effects of a rattlesnake bite, he can be permanently injured by the venom.

Treatment of rattlesnake bite is expensive.

Treatment of snakebite may include antivenom injections that can be costly. Use of antivenom during treatment of an unvaccinated dog is associated with an increased risk of adverse effects which can complicate a dog’s recovery. Other costs of snakebite treatment may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids, other medicines, and even surgery. Vaccination can reduce the impact of snakebite, reduce or eliminate the need for antivenom, and decrease other treatment costs.

The vaccine stimulates your dog’s own immunity.

Vaccines work by stimulating an animal’s immunity to defend against potentially harmful agents. The Rattlesnake Vaccine is intended to help create an immunity that will protect your dog against rattlesnake venom.

Snakebite is always an emergency.

Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, she should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Veterinarians can determine whether your dog will require additional treatment. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian is the best person to consult regarding medical decisions for your dog.

February is Pet Dental Health Month

2012-01-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

February is Pet Dental Health Month and Dr. Teliha and the River Ranch Animal Hospital wanted to remind you that dental care is very important to your pet’s overall health.

During the month of February, we encourage all of our clients to check your pet's teeth at home for signs of tartar, plaque, decay, loose teeth or bad breath, which can indicate periodontal disease.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association approximately 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease by age two.

Periodontal disease refers to the condition in which bacteria attacks the soft gum tissue which can damage the underlying support structures of the teeth. Bacteria from the teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and may infect major organ systems such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver.

The easiest way to check for signs of periodontal disease is to lift your pet's lips and look at your pet’s teeth at home. Bad breath is often the first sign of periodontal disease.

Check your pet's teeth for:

· Tartar - Staining and yellowing, especially on the molars in the back

· Plaque - Brown build-up on teeth

· Decay - Dark brown or black areas on any portion of the teeth

· Loose teeth

· Bad Breath

If you find any of these symptoms we recommend that you schedule a dental cleaning as soon as possible.

To schedule a cleaning call the River Ranch Animal Hospital at 331-7889.

2011-11-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving and Your Pets

While you may think you are “loving” your dog by giving him table scraps from Thanksgiving dinner, it could be very unsafe for your pet. While there’s not a “toxicity” issue from fatty table foods (such as bacon, gravy, turkey skin, grizzle, etc.), it can result in a gastroenteritis (such as a mild vomiting or diarrhea) to a severe, fatal pancreatitis. Other table food like corn-on-the-cob can result in a severe foreign body in your dog’s intestines, resulting in projectile vomiting, diarrhea, and may require an expensive intestinal surgery. Desserts made with xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener, or foods containing grapes or raisins can also result in toxicity. Xylitol results in an acute drop in blood sugar and even liver failure at high doses, while grapes and raisins can result in severe, fatal acute kidney failure. When in doubt, don’t let your pet get any table food!

Threat to pets:

Fatty foods such as butter, oils, meat drippings/grease, chocolate and meat scraps may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) when ingested, especially by dogs. Certain breeds, miniature Schnauzers in particular, are more likely to develop pancreatitis than other breeds.

Signs:

Delayed onset vomiting (1-4 days after fatty meal ingestion), abdominal pain, diarrhea (+/- blood), reduced appetite and lethargy.

Treatment:

Anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications, withholding food or giving only easily digestible diets, IV fluids, monitoring of blood chemistry panels and in-hospital care. In certain cases other drugs such as antibiotics may be necessary.

Prognosis:

Good when treated early and appropriately.

Winter Holiday Pet Poison Tips

2011-11-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

Winter Holiday Pet Poison Tips

The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about a potentially poisoned pet. Below is a list of holiday-related decorations, plants and food items that the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline recommend keeping away from pets.

Holiday Ornaments:

When decorating for the season, consider your pets. Holiday decorations such as snow globes or bubble lights may contain poisonous chemicals. If your pet chews on them the liquid inside could be could be dangerous to their health. Methylene chloride, the chemical in bubble lights, can result in depression, aspiration pneumonia and irritation to the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Tinsel:

If you own a cat, forgo the tinsel. What looks like a shiny toy to your cat can prove deadly if ingested. Tinsel does not pose a poisoning risk but can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestinal tract if swallowed. Ultimately, cats run the risk of severe injury to, or rupture of their intestines and treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery.

When it comes to the holidays, the best thing a pet owner can do is get educated on common household toxins and pet-proof your home accordingly. If you think your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 with any questions or concerns.

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

Holiday Tips Coming Soon

2011-11-09T09:49:00.001-08:00

Barney is putting together some helpful tips for the holidays - check back soon. B

Welcome to Barney's Corner

2011-08-26T21:40:00.001-07:00

Barney says Hi! and welcome to the new River Ranch Animal Hospital Website.

Dr. T is really excited about our new site and many of the new features like on line appointments, new client information forms and my blog - Barney's Corner.

We will use it to share important health tips, preventive recommendations and safety warnings.

Please let us know what your think and as always stop on by and say to Dr. T, the staff and me -

Barney