Can My Pet Get Depressed? Unlike humans, most pets seem to be in perpetually good moods. They’re ecstatic when you arrive home from work, are always ready to play and enjoy keeping you company whether you’re cooking dinner or cleaning the garage. When your pet seems sad and is no longer interested in the little things that used to make him or her happy, it’s only natural to wonder if depression is the cause. Depression and Pets Pet behavioral experts believe that animals probably do suffer from depression when they face upsetting situations. Symptoms of depression often occur after a life-changing event, such as a move to a new home, a family member moving out or the death of a pet or family member. Often, it takes a little detective work to determine what may have caused your pet’s condition. Common Symptoms of Depression Your pet may be depressed if you observe one or more of these symptoms: Decrease in Activity Level. You may notice that your pet seems a little lethargic and uninterested in doing much more than sleeping or resting. Loss of Appetite. Depressed pets often aren’t interested in eating and may begin to lose weight. Lack of Interest in Playing. Fetch, chase-the-laser-light and other games may fail to interest a pet who’s depressed. Reduced Interaction with People. Depressed pets just want to be alone. They may stop greeting you at the door or find a hiding place under a bed or table. Feather Plucking. Birds may pluck their feathers and look disheveled if they’re depressed. Help Your Pet Overcome Depression It’s a good idea to schedule a visit with the veterinarian if your pet’s symptoms continue for longer than two weeks. Because many of the symptoms of depression can also occur if your pet is ill, it’s important to rule out illnesses and conditions that can affect behavior. For example, diabetes or kidney failure may cause your pet to feel tired and lose interest in his or her usual activities. Older pets that seem depressed may actually be suffering from arthritis. When standing, walking or running is painful, going for long walks or even staying by your side while you cook dinner may no longer be enjoyable. If your veterinarian doesn’t find any health problems, you can help your pet by: Spending More Time with Him or Her. Depressed pets may not seek you out, but they’ll still benefit from increased time with you and other family members. If your pet seems depressed after your child leaves for college or you change your work schedule, paying a little more attention to your furry friend may help him or her adjust. Brushing or Grooming Your Pet. Depressed pets may not have the energy to groom themselves. Brushing will help improve your pet’s appearance and offer additional opportunities for the two of you to spend more time together. Paying Attention to Socialization Needs. Some pets do better as only pets, while others, like guinea pigs, will become depressed if they don’t have companions. Encouraging Your Pet to Play. Pets, particularly younger animals, may exhibit signs of depression if they’re bored. New toys that make noise, light up or contain catnip make playtime more enjoyable for pets tired of the same old squeaky toy. Dogs can easily become bored if they’re sent to the backyard for hours on end with no human interaction. Playing games with your dog in the yard or taking him or her for walks or trips to the dog park can improve your pet’s mood and help you get a little exercise. Keeping the Same Routines. A move to a new home or a new job may require that you make a few changes to your routine. Despite the changes to your schedule, it’s important to keep your pet’s routine as predictable as possible. Offering Treats. If your pet has lost interest in his or her usual food, offer treats and foods that may not be a regular part of your pet’s diet, such as baked chicken, lamb or salmon. Considering Medication. Medication isn’t usually recommended unless your pet is severely depressed, but may be helpful in some cases. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s mood or behavior? Call us to schedule an appointment. We’ll perform a thorough examination, treat any underlying health conditions and offer suggestions that will help your pet feel better. Sources: PetMD: Can Dogs Get Depressed http://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/can-dogs-get-depressed VetStreet: Warnings Signs Your Pet May Be Depressed, 8/5/15 http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/warning-signs-your-pet-may-be-depressed Healthy Pets: What Never to Do for Your Melancholic Dog, 3/29/17 https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/03/29/dog-depression.aspx

Does My Pet Dream? If you’ve ever watched your pet twitch, twist, and growl when sleeping, you’ve probably wondered if he or she is having a particularly interesting dream that involves chasing mice or rooting through your trash can. For years, people have wondered if their furry friends experience the same vivid dreams that humans do. We’ve taken a look at the latest information and research on pet dreams in an attempt to answer the question. What Happens During Sleep? Whether you’re a pet or a person, you pass through similar stages of sleep. When you first drift off to sleep, you enter the non-rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. The Non-REM cycle involves three stages of increasingly deeper sleep. During the first stage, your body becomes very relaxed, and your brain becomes less active. The second non-REM stage is marked by a slower rate of breathing and a lower heart rate. Relaxation intensifies and brain activity slows further as you prepare to transition to the deep sleep that occurs during the third non-REM phase. Dreams do occur during this stage but usually aren’t remembered. After you’ve been sleeping for about 1 1/2 hours, you’ll enter the rapid eye movement phase. As you’ve probably guessed, your eyes begin moving back and forth during this phase. If you watch a family member sleep, you may actually be able to see their eyes moving beneath their eyelids during this phase. Brain activity, breathing and heart rate increase during this shallower phase of sleep. REM dreams are often vivid and surreal and easily remembered when you wake up. Fortunately, your limbs and muscles are temporarily paralyzed during this phase of sleep to prevent you from harming yourself during a particularly disturbing dream. You’ll cycle between non-REM and REM sleep several times during the night, with each REM cycle lasting between 10 minutes and one hour. What Does the Research Reveal? Because the non-REM/REM sleep cycle occurs in all mammals, researchers believe that pets also dream. Unfortunately, your furry friends are never going to wake up and say, “You won’t believe the dream I just had!”. Although your pets can’t share their dreams, Koko, a gorilla who has been taught sign language, has the ability to discuss what she sees while she’s asleep. In a People magazine article, researcher Penny Patterson mentioned that Koko has shared information about events that haven’t actually taken place or people she hasn’t met after she wakes up in the morning. If Koko can dream, it’s perfectly reasonable to assume that your dog, cat or rabbit also has nightly dreams. French sleep researcher Michel Jouvet decided to find out if cats dream during a 1959 experiment that involved destroying the part of the feline brain that stops them from moving during REM sleep. When the cats entered REM sleep, Jouvet reported that they jumped, pounced and stalked invisible prey. A 2001 study by Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Matthew Wilson explored the issue by comparing the brain activity of rats while they were awake and asleep. Rats in the study often exhibited the same brain patterns during REM sleep as they did while running a maze while awake. The results lead Wilson to conclude that the rats were dreaming of running through the maze during the REM cycle. Size matters when it comes to dreaming. Small animals, like rats, have very short REM cycles. Dogs and cats have longer cycles, but cycle length may still depend on the size of your pet. For example, a Rottweiler may experience longer REM stages than a Chihuahua. Should I Wake My Sleeping Pet? If your pet seems to be distressed by a dream, your natural reaction may be to wake and comfort him or her. Unfortunately, it takes a little while for a sleeping pet or person to transition from a dream to a fully awake state. Until that happens, your pet may think you’re part of the bad dream and bite or scratch you. Unless your pet is in danger of harming himself or herself during a dream, it’s best to let sleeping dogs (or cats) lie. Do you have a question about your pet’s health or need to schedule a checkup? Give us a call and let us know how we can help you keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Sources: People: What Is Your Cat or Dog Dreaming About? A Harvard Expert Has Some Answers, 10/13/16 http://people.com/pets/what-is-your-cat-or-dog-dreaming-about-a-harvard-expert-has-some-answers/ LiveScience: What Do Dogs Dream About, 2/17/16 https://www.livescience.com/53743-dog-dreams.html AKC: Do Dogs Dream, 11/09/15 http://www.akc.org/content/entertainment/articles/do-dogs-dream/ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Understanding-Sleep MIT News: Animals Have Complex Dreams, MIT Researcher Proves, 1/24/01 http://news.mit.edu/2001/dreaming

Could Those Sniffles Be a Symptom of the Feline Flu? The flu doesn’t just affect people. Your cat can develop the viral infection, too. Although most cats recover fully from a bout of the flu, it can be particularly hard on young, old and immune-compromised cats. Take a look at a few symptoms that can occur if your furry friend has the feline flu. Common Symptoms of Feline Flu Your pet will experience many of the same symptoms you do when you have the flu. Common signs and symptoms include: Runny nose Sneezing Coughing Red or pink eyelids Fever Eye discharge Dehydration Raspy voice when meowing Joint pain Appetite loss Fatigue Ulcers in the mouth or in and around the eyes Most cases of the feline flu last 10 days to three weeks. Your cat may first begin to feel sick about two to five days after he or she has been exposed to a virus. Causes of the Feline Flu Flu symptoms are most often caused by exposure to the feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) viruses. The viruses spread when an infected cat sneezes or coughs and your cat inhales the infected air droplets, or when your cat comes in contact with a water bowl, blanket, toy, litter box or other objects that contains the saliva of an infected cat. Once cats are infected by the feline flu, they become lifelong carriers. They can infect other cats if they shed the virus. Fortunately, shedding usually only occurs if your pet is stressed. The events that cats find overwhelming vary, but may include adding a new person or animal to the household or moving to a new home. When cats shed the flu virus, they often become sick again, although it’s possible to shed the virus without exhibiting any signs of illness. You may be an unwitting source of the feline flu. Because the virus can survive on surfaces for hours as long as it remains moist, you may unknowingly bring it into your home on your clothing or shoes. Consulting the Veterinarian Consulting your veterinarian is a good idea if your pet develops any of the symptoms of feline flu. It’s often possible to make a diagnosis based on your cat’s symptoms, although your pet’s veterinarian may want to confirm the diagnosis with blood and urine tests and X-rays, in some cases. If you suspect your cat has feline flu, please let your veterinarian’s office know that when booking the appointment. They may want to take special precautions so that your sick pet does not infect others when you bring them in for a visit. Although antibiotics aren’t helpful in treating viruses, your cat’s vet can offer treatments aimed at preventing complications and making your cat more comfortable. For example, painful mouth ulcers may force your pet to stop drinking water, which can lead to dehydration. During your cat’s visit to the veterinarian, he or she may receive intravenous liquids to restore the normal balance of fluids and electrolytes. Veterinary care is essential if you cat is very young or old, has a disease that affects the immune system or has a chronic health condition or disease, such as kidney failure or diabetes. These pets may be more likely to develop pneumonia or other secondary infections and must be carefully monitored and treated promptly should complications occur. Making Your Cat More Comfortable Not surprisingly, cats who have the feline flu are often miserable. You can make your cat more comfortable by trying a few of these tips: Use a cool mist vaporizer to ease breathing. (Be sure to place it place it out of reach of your cat.) Wipe away discharge from the eyes and mouth with a moist cloth. Provide a variety of foods to tempt your pet to eat. (Heating food and offering smelly foods can be helpful if your cat’s sense of smell is affected by a stuffy nose.) Move a litter box closer to your cat’s preferred resting place. Provide a warm bed away from drafts in a quiet part of the house. Preventing the Feline Flu Vaccinating your cat can provide protection from the flu. Although the vaccine is effective against the most common strains of feline flu, it’s possible that your cat could still become sick if infected by a less common or new flu strain. Separating an ill cat from healthy cats is important if you have multiple cats. Washing bedding and blankets often and cleaning hard surfaces regularly will help protect your other cats from becoming sick. Are you concerned that your cat might have the feline flu or another illness? Prompt veterinary treatment can help your furry friend recover and avoid serious complications. Contact us today to schedule a convenient appointment. Sources: VetInfo: A Guide to Cat Flu Treatment https://www.vetinfo.com/guide-cat-flu-treatment.html CDC: Influenza in Cats https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluincats/index.htm PetMD: Feline Calicivirus Infection in Cats http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_feline_calicivirus?page=show Healthy Pets: Spreads Like Crazy and Makes Your Pet Miserable – Is It Serious, 6/18/17 http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/06/18/calicivirus.aspx PetMD: Feline Herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) Infection – Head Cold in Cats http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_feline_rhinotracheitis?page=2

Caring for Dogs with Wrinkles Your furry friend’s wrinkles give him or her a very distinctive appearance, but the very characteristic that helps define his or her breed can also cause skin irritation and infections. In many cases, preventing problems is a simple as cleaning skin folds every day. What Causes Skin Problems? The folds and wrinkles in your dog’s skin trap dirt, dust, saliva and debris, which can irritate sensitive skin. Because skin folds are often moist, they provide the perfect environment for the development of pyoderma, a bacterial infection. If your pet has pyoderma, you may notice several symptoms, including: Frequent scratching Red, bumpy skin Oozing sores Pustules (Round, red blisters filled with pus.) Crusts or scales on the skin Hair loss Unpleasant odor What Dogs Are at Risk? Any breed that has wrinkles, such as English bulldogs, Pekingese, Shar Pei, pugs, Neopolitan Mastiffs, bloodhounds and bullmastiffs, have a greater risk of developing pyoderma. Dogs of any breed that develop wrinkles or folds as a result of a weight gain are also more likely to experience skin problems. How Can I Prevent Irritation and Infections? Within a few days of a bath, dirt and debris begins to build up in your pet’s skin folds. Without regular cleaning, your dog can soon develop an irritation or infection. Daily cleaning is the simplest way to prevent uncomfortable or painful irritations and infections. In some cases, you may want to clean your pet’s folds and wrinkles more than once a day. For example, if food often gets trapped in the folds of your dog’s face after meals, it may make sense to quickly clean the facial folds after every meal. Follow these steps to clean folds and wrinkles: Assemble the items you’ll need for cleaning. Whether you use washcloths or cotton balls, or baby or canine wipes, you’ll need soft, clean, moistened materials that won’t irritate your pet’s skin. There’s no need to apply shampoo to the washcloth or cotton ball. As long as it’s damp, it will pick up dirt easily. You’ll also need a separate cloth to dry the folds. Lift every fold and gently swab away dirt and debris. Pay special attention to wrinkles around the ears and eyes. Infections in these areas can be particularly uncomfortable. If you use a washcloth, be sure to rinse it frequently to avoid adding debris to a fold, rather than removing it. Use your cloth to pat the fold dry. Failing to dry each fold may actually increase your dog’s risk of a bacterial or fungal infection. Although using a hair dryer may offer a faster way to dry your pet, the hot, dry air can dry and irritate the skin. Before you use a dryer, even on a cool setting, check with your pet’s veterinarian. Bathe your dog on a regular basis, making sure that each fold is examined and thoroughly cleaned. Use gentle shampoos that won’t dry your furry friend’s skin. What If My Dog Develops an Irritation or Infection Despite Daily Cleaning? A visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if your poor pet can’t stop scratching or develops oozing sores or any other signs of an infection. If your dog does develop an infection, topical steroids may help reduce the itching or inflammation, while oral or topical antibiotics or fungicides will kill the bacteria or fungus responsible for the infection. Your pet’s vet can also offer recommendations for bathing schedules and products that will help your dog avoid further infections or irritations. We can help your pet avoid uncomfortable skin issues with skincare suggestions and effective treatments. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your furry friend. Sources: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Wrinkly Pet Tips https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/blog/2016/july/07/wrinkly-dog-care-tips/ PetMD: Bacterial Infection (Pyoderma) of the Skin in Dogs https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_multi_pyoderma?page=show Pet Health Network: Skin Fold Pyodermas: Those Cute Skin Folds Can Be Dangerous, 1/5/15 https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/skin-fold-pyodermas-those-cute-skin-folds-can-be-dangerous