WINTER IS HERE…SO IS DRY SKIN

We all know that when winter arrives, and the heat goes on in the house, we start to notice that our skin dries out.  We naturally apply hand and body creams and use up tubes of chapped lip medication.  It should be no surprise then, that these conditions also affect your pet.  Dry skin leads to flaking and itching, more dander, and a poorer hair coat.  There are some things that you can do to make your pet more comfortable during these chilly months.

·        Bathe your dog with regular shampoo as infrequently as possible to prevent drying.  Don’t bathe your cat unless there is a specific need.  Avoid using shampoos with perfumes or strong odors.

·        Ask your veterinarian for shampoos that will aid in moisturizing and caring for you pet’s particular skin problem.

·        Gently brush your pet frequently, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for your pet’s particular coat and skin. 

·        Use a good quality pet food.  These nutrients are what will make or break a great hair coat.

·        Don’t use creams or lotions on your pet’s coat; they will just mat down the hair and cause problems.

Fireplaces and wood burning stoves dry out the air even more.  A humidifier is a great way to keep you and your buddies more comfortable.   Drinking lots of water works for your pets as well as you.  Also, check areas like your pet’s ears and belly frequently.  Dry skin often makes the ears itchy and can lead to problems and/or infections.

Provided by:

Somerset Veterinary Group

908.725.1800

Traveling with your Pet

Before you go Ask yourself: will my cat be comfortable and happy on this trip? Some animals simply prefer to stay at home and a "homesick", possibly motion-sick pet will ruin everyone’s trip. In such a case it’s probably wiser to leave your pet with a friend, relative or hire a "pet sitter". If that is not possible, you might consider boarding him or her at a clean, well-run cattery. Plan ahead If you do decide to take your pet along, you must take as much care with the preparation of your pet’s trip as your own. If you plan to travel by plane, bus, train or boat, find out if your pet will be welcome and, what kind of reservations and transport arrangements must be made. If you’ll be staying at hotels, motels or campgrounds, you must check if animals are allowed or if kennel facilities are available. If you’re staying with friends or family, make sure your pet is also invited. Traveling by plane Contact the airline you wish to fly well in advance – each has its own regulations and reservations for your pet will be necessary. Be sure to ask about the airline’s rules for pet crates or carriers. Try to book a direct flight or one with a minimum of stops. The airline may allow your pet in the passenger cabin if your crate or carrier can fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, be at the airport early, place him in his travel crate yourself and pick him up promptly when you land. Establish that your pet will be in a pressurized area of the plane – cargo holds can get very hot or very cold without environmental controls. Traveling by car If your pet is not used to being in a car, take him or her for a few short rides before your trip. Your cat will probably be safer and more comfortable in a carrier. Give the main meal at the end of the day. Dry food is more convenient but if your pet needs canned food, dispose of any unused portions if they cannot be refrigerated. It is not recommended to leave your cat in a parked car for a prolonged period of time. If you must leave your pet in a parked car, put the cat in the carrier, lock all doors and open windows enough to provide good ventilation. Remember, on hot days, the temperature in a parked car can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes and your pet could die of heat stroke. Traveling by bus, train or boat Not all bus lines allow you to travel with your pet, so phone ahead for information. Amtrak does not permit pets to travel in passenger cars, but they may travel in cages as checked luggage. Some cruise ships do welcome pets. Check with the cruise line or ask your travel agent. Wherever you go Ensure your pet ALWAYS wears a collar with complete identification and a license tag. Microchipping with HomeAgain® is the way to ensure you will retrieve your animal should it be lost. Pack his or her favorite food, toys and dishes, a cooler of water, a litter box and a leash. Have your pet examined and vaccinated, if necessary, by your veterinarian before a long trip. If your pet must travel in a crate or carrier, be sure it is strong, large enough for him or her to stand up and turn around, has a place for food and water, and a litter box, is well ventilated, has a leak-proof bottom and closes securely. Acclimate your pet to the travel crate – leave it out with the door open and perhaps offer treats in or near the cage for days/weeks prior to travel. Larger dogs can be restrained with seat belt compatible harnesses.  These are available at pet supply stores. All pets need to be properly restrained in a moving car, aside from possibly interfering with the driver; they can become a projectile in the case of sudden stops, injuring themselves or you. Consult your veterinarian about medical options if your pet experiences motion sickness.

Websites

• www.pettravel.com
• www.petswelcome.com
• www.petfriendlytravel.com
• www.homeagain.com

International Health Certificate

• Contact the consulate or embassy of your destination or ask your travel agent for advice if you are planning a trip abroad with your pet, as health and vaccination regulations vary greatly.
• Schedule appropriate examinations with Dr. Miller only.
• Acclimation certificate completed upon examination.

Holiday Safety Tips

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
  
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Dog Waits for Santa

Happy Work Anniversary to Lorraine!

Happy Work Anniversary to Lorraine! Lorraine is the Bookkeeper at Somerset Veterinary Group and has been with us for 23 years. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated employee as Lorraine as a part of the Somerset team!

Holiday Pet Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.

 

Table Food and Pets

Did you know that some common “people foods” can be extremely dangerous to your pet’s health? Foods such as onions, macadamia nuts, avocado, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and parts of the turkey, just to name a few, should never be fed to your animal companions. While you are enjoying your holiday meal this season, be sure to keep plenty of pet-friendly treats on hand so your four legged family member will be less likely to beg for scraps.

 

Caring for your Pet’s Skin and Coat

How can I maintain my pet’s healthy skin and hair coat?

To maintain a healthy skin and hair coat, topical shampoos employ a variety of moisturizing agents to preserve the natural ecological balance of the skin.  These moisturizing agents include:

• Humectants to help draw moisture to the surface of the skin
• Emollients to seal in moisture, thus soothing and softening the skin
• Emulsifiers to distribute emollients uniformly throughout the coat
• Occlusive Factors to block the skin surface and prevent loss of moisture
• Fatty Acids to help maintain the skin’s normal barrier function and assist in controlling flaking and scaling

When do most changes in skin conditions present themselves?

Varying temperatures, humidity levels and allergens across the country allow for troubled skin conditions year round.  Some symptoms are commonly seen in the summer and winter seasons.

• Winter – dry skin caused by low humidity and heating devices used to warm the home
• Summer – itching and scratching due to fleas, environmental factors, allergies, bacterial or fungal skin disorders

What are the different types of shampoos?

There are basically four categories of shampoos used in veterinary dermatology.

• Cleansing and Grooming – primarily used for routine cleansing, conditioning and moisturizing the skin.  Moisture loss is frequently due to normal seasonal and environmental changes.
• Antiseborrheic – seborrhea is a skin disorder characterized by dry, flaky or greasy, scaly skin.  Antiseborrheic shampoos help normalize skin function and the rate of cell turnover.
• Antimicrobial – for topical management of bacterial and yeast infections.  They are often used in conjunction with systemic antibiotics or antifungal agents.
• Antipruritic – used for relief of itching and irritation related to allergies, flea bites, seborrhea and bacterial infections.  These shampoos help to relieve itching and soothe the skin.

What is the proper way to shampoo my pet?

While your veterinarian may give special instructions for your pet’s specific skin condition, here are some general guidelines that should be followed.

1. Carefully remove mats and brush out tangles.
2. Make sure the air temperature in the bathing area is warm.
3. Wet your pet thoroughly with warm water – not too cold or too hot.
4. Apply shampoo to affected skin areas first to ensure the greatest contact time, then proceed to lather the entire body.  Avoid contact with the eyes.  Rinse thoroughly and gently with cool water if this occurs.
5. Allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes of contact time with the lather before rinsing.  Continue to lather gently during this period for maximum effectiveness.
6. Complete rinsing with warm water to remove any shampoo residue, scale, dirt and debris.

Which shampoo will work best for my pet?

For healthy animals, a general cleansing and grooming shampoo will serve your pet’s bathing needs.  If the animal is diagnosed with a skin disorder, your veterinarian can determine the appropriate medicated shampoo to treat the specific problem.

How often should I bathe my pet?

A normal, healthy animal should be bathed when an odor is detected or it appears to be dirty.

If your pet develops an odor or noticeable change in the skin and hair coat despite frequent bathing, there is the possibility of an infection or other skin disorder.   A veterinarian should be consulted for information on the preferred bathing practices to relieve specific conditions.

Proper grooming of the skin and hair coat is an important part of your pet’s overall health.

• Shampoo products are for external use only.  Please follow all label instructions carefully.
• Before beginning a bath, cut or remove any tangles or mats of hair.
• Do not allow shampoo to come in contact with your pet’s eyes.  If this occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Completely rinse your pet.  Shampoo residue may cause skin irritation.
• Your veterinarian may recommend a moisturizing conditioner or crème rinse after treatment with a medicated shampoo.  These products will make the hair coat more manageable and restore texture and luster.
• If you notice redness or skin irritation, discontinue use of the product and contact your veterinarian.

We'd like to celebrate the owners of three lucky pets...Mia, Khia and Jake!

Jake Pizzo is a 13 year old Labrador. At age 5 he started to show some signs of kidney disease. He also had severe hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease in his elbows and shoulders.

At age 11, his mobility was greatly reduced due to disc disease. With the help of surgery, a diet change to Hill’s j/d and Adequan injections, he was able to walk again!

Jake’s mom has done a fantastic job to keep Jake healthy and happy! His rehabilitation included treatments, medications and injections. His little buddy Oliver, a Maltese, has been keeping him company too.

Mia & Khia Becker are beloved 18 and a half year old seal point Siamese kitties that are a dear part of the Becker family. Mr. & Mrs. Becker do an amazing job caring for their beautiful cats with multiple health problems.

Both Mia & Khia have chronic kidney disease, elevated blood pressure, low potassium, occasional constipation and mild heart murmurs. In addition Mia has mild hyperthyroidism.

Mr. & Mrs. Becker treat both Mia and Khia with fluids they administer for hydration. They also get multiple medications including amlodipine (for blood pressure), lactulose (stool softener), oral potassium supplement, and a thyroid medication for Mia. They also feed special food to help decrease stress on the kidneys.

Mia & Khia are very happy and cuddle with our staff in the office when they visit for blood work/blood pressure evaluations/or exams whenever Mr. & Mrs. Becker suspect something isn't quite right. The Beckers are excellent at monitoring their kitties for any abnormal behavior and as such we are usually able to catch any problems early and resolve or treat them quickly.

National Mutt Day!

Today is National Mutt Day! National Mutt Day is all about embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs. There are millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs sitting in shelters, which are desperately searching for a new home. Consider a mixed breed pet for your next furry family member! 

 

Puppy Excitement

'Where's Bailey?'

'Here I am'

'Woof, did ya see me?'

'Gotta go!'