Managing Your Pet’s Arthritis Years of running, jumping and walking take a toll on your pet’s joints. When your once energetic cat or dog starts to slows down or appears to be in pain, osteoarthritis may be to blame. The disease wears down the cartilage in the joints, causing bones to rub together painfully. Although there’s no way to reverse arthritis, you can do a few things to make your furry friend’s life more comfortable. Arthritis Signs Arthritis signs are often subtle and can be confused with general behavioral changes associated with aging. Pets may show little interest in playing, even though a rousing game of fetch was once a favorite daily activity. When it hurts to stand up or lie down, it’s not surprising that your dog or cat may move as little as possible during the day. Sleeping or resting more may be an indication that your pet suffers from painful, stiff joints. Other signs of arthritis may include weight gain, limping, poor grooming in cats, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or licking or biting the skin over a sore joint. Walking and moving requires more energy when your joints don’t work as well as they once did. If your pet has arthritis, you may notice that he or she tires faster than usual or isn’t eager to join you on your nightly walk. Because other health conditions may share some of the same signs as arthritis, it’s important to receive a diagnosis from your pet’s veterinarian before you treat your dog or cat’s condition at home. Try These Tips to Improve Your Pet’s Comfort Adopting these strategies can reduce pain and strain on joints and muscles: Go Soft. Provide soft resting places that offer plenty of cushioning and prevent exposure to cold drafts. Even pets that once enjoyed lying on the hard floor will appreciate a soft bed if they develop arthritis. Buy a Ramp. Ramps of varying sizes can help your dog or cat navigate your home. Install a large ramp over the steps leading into your home to make it easier for your pet to access your yard. Buy smaller ramps and place them next to your pet’s favorite chair or your bed (if your pet sleeps with you). Make a Few Changes. Look for ways to make your pet’s life easier. If your cat has difficulty climbing into the litter box, buy a box with lower edges or cut out a section of the existing box. Raising eating and drinking dishes can make mealtime easier for some pets with arthritis. Encourage Exercise. Although your pet may be reluctant to exercise, moving can help reduce joint stiffness. You may need to make some adaptations to your pet’s usual exercise routine, such as substituting short walks for agility training. Swimming is an excellent source of exercise for dogs because it doesn’t stress the joints. Become a Masseuse. Gently massage the muscles surrounding your pet’s joints to help relieve pain and stiffness and improve range of motion. If your pet yelps or complains during a massage, use a softer touch or concentrate on a less sensitive area of the body. Help Your Pet Lose Weight. It’s harder to exercise when you’re in pain. Unfortunately, if your pet doesn’t exercise, he or she will gain weight, which can worsen arthritis symptoms. According to a study published in the February 2010 issue of Veterinary Research Communications, a 6 percent or higher weight loss significantly decreased lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis. In addition to exercise, switching to a senior diet may help your pet lose weight. Consider Supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitrin, the same supplements people use, may also be helpful in treating arthritis in pets. Before you give your pet any supplement or over-the-counter medication, consult a veterinarian. Some supplements or medications that are safe for people can harm pets. Talk to Your Pet’s Veterinarian. Your pet’s veterinarian can provide treatment and advice that will help relieve pain and improve mobility. If your dog or cat seems to be in pain, the vet may prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications that can improve your pet’s quality of life. Regular veterinary care and a little extra TLC from you will make your arthritic pet’s life easier. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your furry friend. Sources: PetMD: Arthritis: How to Recognize and Manage the Condition http://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_arthritis_how_to_recognize_and_manage_the_condition?page=show Veterinary Research Communications: The Effect of Weight Loss on Lameness in Obese Dogs with Osteoarthritis, 2/10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855019/ AVMA: Arthritis in Pets: A Painful But Manageable Condition, 10/21/14 https://www.avma.org/News/PressRoom/Pages/arthritis-in-pets-video.aspx

Bloat in Dogs Although it’s name may sound harmless, bloat is a life-threatening emergency for dogs. The condition, formally called gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), can quickly kill dogs if they don’t receive prompt treatment. What Is Bloat? Bloat occurs when your pet’s stomach fills with air. In many cases, the stomach then twists, cutting off its blood supply. The condition prevents blood from flowing back to the dog’s heart and can cause irreversible damage to the spleen, stomach, pancreas, liver, and other organs. Shock can develop soon after the first signs of bloat appear. Breathing problems also occur as the air-filled stomach presses against the diaphragm. Unfortunately, a dog can die of bloat just a few hours after experiencing the first symptoms. Which Dogs Get Bloat? Any dog can develop bloat, although it may be more likely to occur in older dogs and males. Great Danes, Saint Bernards, German shepherds, poodles, retrievers and other large breeds with deep, narrow chests are at increased risk of developing bloat. Swallowing air while eating, a problem that can occur in anxious dogs, may also increase the likelihood of bloat, as can eating a large amount during a meal. A genetic link may be responsible for some cases of bloat. Veterinarians at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University are currently conducting a research study to find the gene responsible for the condition. Although bloat may have a genetic component, environment and diet might increase the likelihood that your dog will actually develop the condition. If a gene is identified, a genetic test could be developed to identify dogs at high risk. What Are the Symptoms of Bloat? Symptoms of bloat start suddenly and may include: An enlarged stomach Pain in the abdomen Excessive drooling Dry heaving Restlessness Shallow breathing Symptoms of shock include: Weak pulse Rapid heart rate Pale gums and lips Low body temperature Glazed eyes Dilate pupils Collapse Your dog must receive veterinary care immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Waiting until the morning to visit the vet will result in the death of your dog. Minutes count when your furry friend has bloat. How Is Bloat Treated? Surgery is used to treat bloat, but it can’t be performed until your pet is in stable condition. Before surgery can begin, your pet may receive pain medications, antibiotics and intravenous fluids to treat shock. A tube inserted into esophagus or a large needle placed in the stomach may be used to deflate the stomach and release the trapped air. Bloodwork and other tests may also be performed before surgery. During surgery, your dog’s stomach will be repositioned and sutured to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting in the future. Surgery also involves thoroughly examining your pet’s stomach and organs for signs of damage due to the blood flow blockage. Your pet will stay at the animal hospital for several days following surgery. During that time, the veterinary staff will closely monitor him or her for heart problems, infections, pancreas or liver damage, or other conditions associated with bloat. How can I Reduce My Dog’s Risk of Bloat? Although it’s not possible to prevent bloat in every case, there are a few things you can do to reduce your dog’s risk, such as: Change Mealtime. Two to three small meals spaced throughout the day are better than one large meal. Limit Water. Wait until an hour after mealtime to offer water. Lower Food and Water Dishes. Swallowing air is less likely to occur when you place food and water dishes on the floor instead of in elevated feeders. Wait to Play Fetch. Don’t start a game of fetch, take your dog for a run or allow him or her to participate in any type of exercise for at least an hour after eating. Don’t Give in to Begging. Giving your pet samples of the foods you eat can cause gas to build up in the stomach. Discourage Competition. Do your pets wolf down their food in an effort to finish first? The faster they eat, the more likely they are to swallow air. Confining your dogs to different rooms or areas while they eat can help them slow down. Recognizing the symptoms of bloat and taking steps to reduce your dog’s risk can help your pet avoid these devastating condition. Call us today if you’re worried that your dog may have bloat or if it’s time to schedule your furry friend’s next veterinary visit. Sources: American Kennel Club: Bloat (or GDV) in Dogs — What It Is and How it’s Treated, 11/3/16 http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/bloat-in-dogs/ Tufts University: The Genetics of Bloat, Summer 2014 http://sites.tufts.edu/vetmag/summer-2014/the-genetics-of-bloat/ Peteducation.com: Bloat (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus in Dogs) http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=402

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Grass Does your pet regard your lawn as the perfect place to snack? Eating grass may not seem very appetizing to you, but your pet doesn’t share your disdain. In fact, both dogs and cats enjoy eating a little grass from time to time. We’ll explore why pets eat grass and explain what you should do if you notice that your furry friend loves the green stuff. Why Does My Pet Eat Grass? Pets eat grass for a variety of reasons. Some simply like the taste and find that chewing on a little grass enhances their usual diet of dog or cat food. Hunger is another possible reason. If your furry friend is hungry, grass may look awfully tempting. Although some pets never seem to be full, eating grass due to hunger may mean that your pet isn’t receiving the nutrients needed for good health. If you’ve recently decreased the amount of food your pet receives due to concerns about weight or have noticed that your pet always seems hungry, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with the veterinarian. Your pet’s vet can provide advice about the best types of food products and tell you how much food your pet really requires. In some cases, constant hunger may be a sign of a disease, such as diabetes or a tumor. Does Eating Grass Mean My Pet Has an Upset Stomach? Grass eating may be a natural way to handle minor digestive problems in dogs and cats, according to one theory. If your pet has an upset stomach, eating grass may trigger vomiting and relieve your pet’s nausea. It may also act as a natural laxative if your dog or pet is constipated. Although some people assume that eating grass always leads to vomiting, only a small percentage of pets actually vomit after ingesting grass. Is Eating Grass Dangerous? Eating grass usually won’t harm your pet, unless your lawn has been treated with pesticides. Researchers discovered that dogs exposed to pesticides in lawn care products had a 70 percent higher risk of canine malignant lymphoma. The study was published in the January 2012 issue of Environmental Research. What Should I Do If My Pet Enjoys Grazing on My Lawn? There’s no need to discourage the habit if your pet enjoys eating a little grass and doesn’t experience any ill effects. If grass eating causes frequent vomiting, an examination by your pet’s veterinarian can uncover the cause of the problem. When grass is one of your pet’s favorite snacks, it makes sense to avoid using lawn care products on your yard. If you do use the products, don’t give your pet unsupervised access to your yard and your tasty grass. Because it’s not known how long treated grass will retain the chemicals that harm pets, it’s best to avoid ever letting your dog or cat eat treated grass. Instead, provide a small patch of untreated grass for your pet’s snacking pleasure. Unfortunately, you can’t always tell if public parks or the laws you pass on your daily walks have been treated with pesticides. For your pet’s health, assume that every blade of grass has been treated. If your pet tries to sample your neighbors’ yards, gently pull him or her away from the lawn and offer a small treat instead. If it’s not convenient to establish a pesticide-free zone in your yard, consider growing grass inside your home. Planting grass in pots or containers is a simple way to ensure that your furry friend has a source of fresh, safe grass. Not sure what kind of grass to plant? Wheatgrass seeds, available online and in garden stores, offer a good source of protein, potassium, fiber, iron, zinc, copper and vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6. Are you concerned about the effects of grass eating on your pet’s health? Call us today to schedule a convenient appointment. Sources: Modern Dog: A Vet’s Take on Why Dogs Eat Grass http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/vet-s-take-why-dogs-eat-grass/297 PetMD: Why Do Cats Eat Grass? http://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/evr_ct_eating_grass Applied Animal Behavioural Science, 5/08 http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.com/article/S0168-1591(07)00182-7/abstract National Institutes of Health: Environmental Research: Household Chemical Exposures and the Risk of Canine Malignant Lymphoma, a Model for Human Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, 1/12 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267855/

All About Shedding: Is My Pet Shedding Too Much? Does your pet leave piles of hair behind everywhere he or she goes? Although all dogs and cats shed, excessive shedding may be a sign of a health problem or a grooming issue. Fortunately, shedding can be reduced in many cases with medical treatment or a change to your pet’s grooming routine. Why Do Pets Shed? Your pet’s hair, just like your own, goes through a continuous growth cycle. When older hairs fall out, they’re replaced by new ones. Seasonal changes can play a role in the amount of hair your pet sheds. In anticipation of the cold weather months, your dog or cat’s coat may become thicker. As spring approaches, it’s not unusual to shed a little more hair than usual as your pet’s body prepares for warmer weather. Because shedding patterns can vary from pet to pet, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern if one of your pets sheds more than another. Changes are only worrisome if they represent a significant change in your cat or dog’s usual shedding pattern. What Causes Excessive Shedding? Shedding may increase due to any of these factors: Stress. A move to a new home, the introduction or loss of a family member or pet, or even a seemingly minor change in your pet’s routine can stress your dog or cat and lead to hair loss. Do you leave the veterinarian’s office covered in fur? Sudden shedding isn’t uncommon in pets that experience stress or anxiety during veterinary examinations. Allergies. Your furry friend can suffer from allergies, too. Whether your pet is allergic to fleas, food or environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites or mold, you may notice that he or she can’t stop scratching or biting his or her skin. You may also notice red pimple-like bumps on the skin or ear discharge, depending on the type of allergy. Parasites. An infestation of mites, fleas or ticks is very uncomfortable. In an attempt to get rid of the parasites and relieve itching, your pet may constantly bite or licks the skin, causing hair loss and sores. Infection. Bacterial, fungal, viral and yeast infections can also cause hair loss, itching and discomfort. Poor Diet. Your pet’s shedding may be related to diet. Pet’s thrive on a diet high in proteins and nutrients. Unfortunately, not all pet foods are good for your pet. Foods that contain lots of fillers, such as cereal by-products, corn and rice bran, corn starch, citrus pulp and oat hulls, are more likely to cause shedding. The healthiest pet foods list poultry, beef or chicken or other proteins in the first few ingredients on the label. Before you make a change to your pet’s diet, talk to the veterinarian. Diets that are popular with people, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets, may not be the best choices for your pet. Grooming Issues. Did you use your shampoo on your dog after you ran out of pet shampoo? Your shampoo is harsher than products intended for pets and may cause hair loss. Diseases and Conditions. Shedding may be more likely to occur if your pet has Cushing’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease or hormonal imbalances. Your Pet’s Breed. Some breeds tend to shed more than others, including Maine Coon, Russian Blue, American Shorthair and Persian cats, and German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Akita, Chow Chow and Siberian Husky dogs. What Can Be Done About Excessive Shedding? A visit to the veterinarian is a must if you’ve noticed that your pet is shedding more than usual. Depending on your dog or cat’s diagnosis, one or more of these treatments may be recommended: Food Changes Allergy Medication or Shots Flea and Tick Control Medications Topical or Oral Medications to Treat Bacterial, Fungal or Yeast Infections Treatment of Underlying Diseases Your pet’s veterinarian may also offer suggestions that will prevent shedding in the future, such as reducing allergen exposure with regular baths and a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or stress reduction tips. Would you like to put an end to your pet’s excessive shedding? Schedule an appointment with our office. We’ll perform a thorough examination and offer treatments and solutions that will improve your pet’s hair loss problem. Sources: PetMD: Is Your Pet’s Excessive Shedding a Sign of Illness? https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/your-pets-excessive-shedding-sign-illness American Animal Hospital Association: It’s Winter? Why Is My Pet Shedding So Much? https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/lifestyle/its-winter-why-is-my-pet-shedding-so-much.aspx Pet Health Network: Dog Hair Could Shed Light on Cushings Disease in Dogs http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/dog-hair-could-shed-light-cushings-disease-dogs

Is Your Cat’s Personality Influenced by Coat Color? Can you tell if a cat will be friendly, aggressive or laid-back simply by taking a quick look at its color? That question has perplexed cat owners and scientists alike for years. Although it’s possible that coat color may play a role in personality, it’s also important to consider other factors when you’re considering adding a new kitty to your home. Does Color Play a Role? Since cats are never going to answer that question, scientists turned to pet owners for their input. University of California, Berkeley researchers surveyed 189 cat owners in a study published in the October 2012 edition of Anthrozoos. Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much “attitude.” The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys. The surveys asked cat owners to rate their pets’ level of aggression at home, while being handled and during veterinary visits. The most aggressive cats in all three settings were females with gray-and-white, black-and-white or orange coats and calico cats. Gray-and-white cats exhibited the highest levels of aggression during visits to the vet. The survey also revealed that black-and-white cats were most likely to react negatively when handled, while calicos were more likely to become irritated. Black, white, gray and tabby cats were rated lowest on the aggression scale. Although these studies offer some interesting information, they don’t provide a definitive answer regarding whether certain personality traits are associated with specific coat colors. Respondents provided answers based on their particular experiences. It’s possible that what one person viewed as aggressive behavior was regarded as playfulness by another. You probably noticed that cat owners in the University of California, Berkeley study thought orange cats were the friendliest, while respondents in the University of California, Davis study added the felines to the “most aggressive” category. Because cats have distinct personalities, just as people do, it’s not surprising that there were differences in opinion between the two studies. What Factors Influence Personality? Your cat’s early life plays an important role in the development of his or her personality. Kittens don’t develop a fear of humans if they interact with people between the ages of 3 and 9 weeks, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. If socialization with humans is delayed, kittens can become fearful or timid cats. In some cases, they’ll eventually overcome their fears, but may still be a little uncomfortable around strangers. Cats also inherit traits from their parents. If one or both parents are laid-back and friendly, their kittens may also possess those traits. Similarly, cats that are timid or jumpy, despite socializing with people when they were kittens, may have inherited the behavior from a parent. Other factors may also play a role in the perception of a cat’s personality. For example, some of the white cats labeled “aloof” by University of California, Berkeley survey respondents may actually have hearing problems. Sixty-five to 85 percent of white cats with two blue eyes are deaf, 40 percent of white cats with one blue eye are deaf, and 17 to 22 percent of white cats without blue eyes are deaf, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Some white cats affected by hearing loss may only be deaf in one ear. Although cats with partial hearing loss may seem perfectly fine, they may have difficulty hearing you when you call to them from a different room or might not respond if you speak into their bad ear. If you’re not aware that these cats have hearing problems, you might assume that they aren’t very friendly. Whether your pet’s disposition is related to coat color, socialization, inherited traits or other factors, you’re probably glad that your furry friend has his or her own unique personality. We help cats of all colors stay happy and healthy. If you’re concerned about a behavioral or health issue, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Sources: Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science: The Relationship Between Coat Color and Aggressive Behaviors in the Domestic Cat, 10/14/15 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10888705.2015.1081820?journalCode=haaw20#abstract Tech Times: Cat Color May Hint How Aggressive It Is: Felines with Black, White or Gray Fur Make Best Pets, 10/26/15 http://www.techtimes.com/articles/99474/20151026/cat-color-may-hint-how-aggressive-it-is-felines-with-black-white-or-gray-fur-make-best-pet.htm Berkeley News: Don’t be so fast to judge a cat by its color, study warns, 10/13/12 http://news.berkeley.edu/2012/10/23/cat-color/ American Association of Feline Practitioners: Feline Behavior Guidelines, 2004 https://www.catvets.com/public/PDFs/PracticeGuidelines/FelineBehaviorGLS.pdf Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Ask Elizabeth http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/deaf.cfm Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats https://books.google.com/books?id=HHoK9PKpqn4C&pg=PA319&lpg=PA319&dq=how+lack+of+nutrition+as+a+kitten+shapes+behavior&source=bl&ots=7u1iAUnIZt&sig=3h0_pXD6iwFIuxo2E2KgyF3yTIs&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjNiNTH_LTXAhWb14MKHfFYBnsQ6AEINzAD#v=onepage&q=how%20lack%20of%20nutrition%20as%20a%20kitten%20shapes%20behavior&f=false

How to Make Vet Visits a More Pleasant Experience for Your Pet Does your normally docile, friendly pet turn into the Tasmanian Devil the moment you pull into the veterinarian’s parking lot? It’s not unusual for pets to feel a little stressed by a visit to the vet. When your dog or cat is anxious or behaves aggressively, a simple checkup can become a difficult experience for both of you. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help your pets handle the visits a little better. Don’t Hide the Carrier or Crate If your pet’s carrier or crate only comes out when it’s time to visit the vet, he or she may develop a negative association with it. As soon as the carrier makes an appearance, your pet might just decide to curl up under your bed or find another hiding place. The next time you schedule an appointment for your pet, immediately dust off the crate or carrier and place it in the family room or kitchen with the door open. Add a new toy or tempting treat to convince your dog or cat that the crate or carrier isn’t such a bad place to spend a little time. The more time your pet spends in the carrier, the less scary it may become. Go for a Drive Pets may also associate your car or truck with veterinary visits if they only ride in your vehicle when they have an appointment. As soon as your dog or cat enters your vehicle, he or she may become fearful or anxious. When pets are already stressed before they even leave your driveway, just walking through the doors of the veterinary clinic can be overwhelming. You can help your dog or cat relax during car rides by taking him or her for short rides. The first time you go for a drive, you may only want to travel around the block. Gradually increasing the duration of these trips offers a simple way to help your pet adjust to riding in a car or truck. During one of your car rides, you might want to stop by the vet’s office for a social call. When your pet realizes that a trip to the vet can be an enjoyable experience, he or she might not be quite so reluctant to get out of the car the next time you visit. Make Sure Your Dog Knows Basic Commands Sit, sit and stay, down, come, leave it and other basic commands can help you remain in control of your dog during a visit to the veterinarian. If your pet doesn’t know or respond to commands, set aside a little time every night to help him or her master these helpful commands, or enroll your dog in an obedience training course. Pretend You’re a Veterinarian Performing your own examinations on your pet allows you to identify any strange lumps or bumps and also helps your dog or cat adjust to being handled. Mimic the actions you’ve seen your pet’s veterinarian perform, such as feeling the abdomen and paws and examining the ears and teeth so your pet becomes more accustomed to being touched all over their body. Try Pheromones Pheromones, natural chemicals produced by the body, can calm your cat or dog and make him or her feel less anxious or fearful. Pheromone diffusers available in pet stores or online send a steady stream of the chemical into the air. For best results, plug in the diffuser an hour or two before your pet’s veterinarian visit. Although pheromones aren’t effective for every pet, they’re worth a try if veterinary visits are difficult for your furry friend. Make the Waiting Room Experience More Pleasant When you enter the waiting room, sit as far away from other pets as possible. If your pet reacts very negatively to the presence of other animals, ask if you can wait in your car until the staff is ready to see your pet. A simple call or text can alert you when the staff can see your dog or cat. If that’s not possible, place a towel from home over your cat or small dog’s crate or carrier to decrease exposure to troubling sights or smells Make sure you use a leash and a collar or harness when bringing larger dogs to the vet. In the event that another animal becomes aggressive toward your pet, you’ll want to be able to quickly pull him or her back from potential trouble. Decreasing your pet’s stress level will make veterinary visits a much more pleasant experience and help ensure that he or she receives needed care and screenings. If it’s time for your pet’s checkup, or you’re concerned about a health issue, give us a call. Sources: Animal Planet: 5 Tips to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful for Your Cat http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/less-stressful-vet-visits/ Veterinary Practice News: Dogs and Going to the Vet, 12/28/15 https://veterinarypracticenews.com/dogs-and-going-to-the-vet/ Cesar’s Way: Did Somebody Say ‘V-E-T’? https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/choosing-working-with-a-vet/did-somebody-say-vet

Hot Spots and Pets: What You Can Do to Help Your Furry Friend Scratching is the natural reaction when your skin itches, whether you’re a person or an animal. Although a few seconds of vigorous scratching may feel good initially, raking your nails over your skin usually only worsens the problem. Unfortunately, dogs and cats don’t know when it’s time to stop scratching and may soon develop uncomfortable hot spots on their skin. What Are Hot Spots? Hot spots are moist, inflamed, infected areas of skin that feel warm to the touch. Formally called moist dermatitis, the spots can affect both dogs and cats but are more common in dogs. Hot spots can form anywhere on the body, but often develop on the chest, head and hips in dogs and on the tail, head, neck or thigh in cats. Because frequent licking or scratching can cause hair loss, red hot spots are usually very noticeable. If the spots aren’t treated promptly, they can worsen and increase in size. What Causes Hot Spots? Hot spots develop when your dog or cat continually licks, bites or scratches the skin. When the licking or scratching causes a break in the skin, a painful infection develops. Hots spots tend to occur due to: Flea Infestations Food Allergies Environmental Allergies Stress Joint Pain (Your dog or cat scratches or licks in an attempt to stop the pain.) Matted Hair Insect Bites Contact with Irritating Substances Parasites Boredom Eczema A Foreign Object in the Hair or Skin Infections of the Ears of Skin Some dogs, such as rottweilers, German shepherds, St. Bernards, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers, are more likely to develop hot spots than others. How are Hot Spots Treated? Reducing the inflammation and killing the bacteria responsible for the infection are important steps in your pet’s hot spot treatment plan. Your pet’s veterinarian will trim the hair around the spot to make it easier for you to apply the topical medications that will reduce pain, inflammation and infection. Your pet may also need to take antibiotics for a few weeks and may need corticosteroids to decrease itching and inflammation. It’s important to keep your pet from scratching, licking or biting the hot spot while it heals. If your dog or cat just can’t leave the spot alone, he or she may need to wear an Elizabethan collar for a few days. Although these treatments are very effective in healing hot spots, the condition may occur again unless a cause is determined and changes are made. If your pet suffers from a food allergy, eliminating the foods or ingredients that cause the allergic reaction may be helpful. Environmental allergies can be successful managed with special shampoos, immunotherapy, Omega-3 fatty acids or antihistamines. Steroids are usually only recommended if allergy symptoms are severe and don’t respond to other treatments. Flea and tick preventatives are very helpful if your pet developed a hot spot due to a flea infestation. In addition to treating your pet, it’s also important to treat your yard with a flea product, wash bedding and toys, and vacuum your home thoroughly to remove any lingering fleas or eggs. If your dog or cat has started licking, scratching or biting due to boredom, making a few changes to your furry friend’s routine can be helpful. Your dog may benefit by spending more time outdoors with you. In addition to long walks and trips to the dog park, agility training or other activities that keep your pet active and engaged can be beneficial. Cats also benefit from extra play time, particularly if they’re the only pet in your home. Hot spots in older pets may actually be a sign of arthritis or hip dysplasia. Your pet’s veterinarian may recommend pain medication and joint supplements to ease your dog or cat’s pain and improve mobility. In addition to medications, making a few modifications, such as installing a ramp to your bed if your pet sleeps with you, buying a litter box with low sides and providing a heated resting place during the colder months of the year, can improve your pet’s comfort and prevent hot spots. Treating hot spots promptly will help your pet avoid serious infections. If you notice a sore on your pet’s skin, give us a call. We’ll arrange a convenient appointment and offer treatment to ease your furry friend’s pain and address the underlying cause of the condition. Sources: American Kennel Club: Treating and Preventing Hot Spots in Dogs, 10/4/16 http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/treating-and-preventing-hot-spots-on-dogs/ Healthy Pets: Hot Spots: How to Treat Them and What Do They Mean, 6/4/15 https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2015/06/04/hot-spot-treatment.aspx Cesar’s Way: Hot Spots on Dogs: Causes and Treatment https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/skin-care/hot-spots-faq