Caring for Dogs with Wrinkles

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

Client Survey

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery offers our Client Survey online so you can complete it in the convenience of your own home or office.  Our mission is to maintain a dedicated, caring and knowledgeable team committed to providing exceptional client service and Veterinary Health Care.  We strive toward this excellence through continuing education, technical advances and compassionate care for all pets entrusted to us. You can help us reach and maintain this level of service by sharing your veterinary needs and expectations. By completing this Client Survey, you will be a part of our team meetings and be assured that your comments will be discussed and acted upon. Thank you for your time and effort. (Please Note:  Your privacy is 100% assured.) Download & Print Client Survey If you do not already have AdobeReader® installed on your computer, Click Here to download. Please download the Client Survey, and fill in the requested information. You can either email, mail, fax, or hand in your completed survey. Our Dearest Appreciation, Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Pet Wellness Program

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery offers a progressive new approach to veterinary care. Our Wellness Program embraces a focus on preventative medicine based on the specific life-stage of your pet. Each patient is assessed individually based on factors such as species, breed, age, and environmental challenges. Next we offer recommendations for prevention, nutrition, and diagnostic work-ups appropriate for your pet. Our role is to educate you on those procedures and medications especially beneficial for your pet. This allows us to be more flexible with our recommendations, and gives you more control of your pets healthcare. The key to Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Wellness Program is an emphasis on the annual health examination. Each year when your pet comes in he or she will receive a comprehensive physical exam and age appropriate ancillary diagnostics (such as blood pressure screening, parasite tests and blood work) to screen for early signs of disease. For participants in the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Wellness Program, any vaccinations due at the time of the annual exam will be given at current participant rates. Patients with health-related concerns will be recommended more advanced diagnostics when needed. More frequent re-evaluations will most-likely become necessary for those pets with ongoing illnesses. Please contact us for more information or to enroll your pet in the  Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Wellness Program.

Newsletter Library

Show Newsletter Archive Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem? Cats Posted on March 2018 Hot Spots and Pets: What You Can Do to Help Your Furry Friend Pet Health Posted on March 2018 How to Make Vet Visits a More Pleasant Experience for Your Pet Pet Health Posted on February 2018 Caring for Dogs with Wrinkles Dogs Posted on February 2018 Is Your Cat’s Personality Influenced by Coat Color? Cats Posted on January 2018 Can My Pet Get Depressed? Pet Health Posted on January 2018 Could Those Sniffles Be a Symptom of the Feline Flu? Cats Posted on December 2017 Does My Pet Dream? Pet Health Posted on December 2017 What to Do If Your Pet Eats Grass Pet Health Posted on November 2017 Bloat in Dogs Dogs Posted on November 2017 Managing Your Pet’s Arthritis Pet Health Posted on October 2017 3 Reasons Why Your Pet Could Be Coughing Pet Health Posted on October 2017 6 Questions to Ask At Your Senior Pet’s Next Check Up Pet Health Posted on September 2017 Why is My Dog Vomiting? Dogs Posted on September 2017 5 Common Myths About Pets Pet Health Posted on August 2017 How to Prevent Motion Sickness in Pets Pet Health Posted on August 2017 Do I Have to Vaccinate My Pet? Pet Health Posted on July 2017 What You Need to Know About Antibiotics Pet Health Posted on July 2017 Obesity and Diabetes in Pets Pet Health Posted on June 2017 Pet-Friendly Exercises Offer Benefits for Both You and Your Pet Pet Health Posted on June 2017 Is a Wet Nose a Sign of a Healthy Pet? Pet Health Posted on May 2017 Pet Hearing Loss Dogs Posted on May 2017 National Heartworm Awareness Month Focuses Attention on a Potentially Deadly Disease Pet Health Posted on April 2017 Managing Pet Allergies in Kids Pet Health Posted on February 2017 Euthanasia: Saying Goodbye Pet Health Posted on February 2017 Caring for Your Older Pet Pet Health Posted on January 2017 Caring for Your Pet Before and After Surgery Pet Health Posted on January 2017 Keep Your Pets Calm During the Holiday Season with These Tips Pet Health Posted on December 2016 Pet Clothes: A Fashion Statement or a Necessity? Pet Health Posted on December 2016 Becoming a Service Dog: Training and Temperament Are Key Factors Dogs Posted on November 2016 Adopting a Pet From a Rescue Group Pet Health Posted on November 2016 Secondhand Smoke Affects Pets Too Pet Health Posted on October 2016 Cooking for Your Pets Pet Health Posted on September 2016 Is a Cat Enclosure Right for Your Cat? Cats Posted on September 2016 Is Coconut Oil Good for Pets? Pet Health Posted on August 2016 Protect Your Pet from Painful Paw Pad Burns Pet Health Posted on August 2016 Protect Your Pets with These Water Safety Tips Dogs Posted on July 2016 Seasonal Allergies Can Make Your Pet Miserable Pet Health Posted on July 2016 Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks Season Pet Health Posted on June 2016 Gastroenteritis in Pets Pet Health Posted on June 2016 Does Your Dog Suffer From Anxiety? Dogs Posted on May 2016 Do You Know the Facts About Canine Lyme Disease? Dogs Posted on May 2016 Is Your Pet Overweight? Pet Health Posted on April 2016 Chronic Pain in Pets Pet Health Posted on April 2016 Preparing Your Home for Pets Pet Health Posted on March 2016 Animal Dermatology: Caring for Your Pet’s Skin Pet Health Posted on March 2016 What You Need to Know About Rabies Pet Health Posted on February 2016 Feline Leukemia Virus: What You Need to Know Cats Posted on February 2016 Assistance Dogs Offer Many Benefits Dogs Posted on January 2016 Plants That Are Poisonous to Pets Pet Health Posted on January 2016 Stress Relief for Pets Pet Health Posted on December 2015 Preparing for Your Next Vet Visit Pet Health Posted on December 2015 My Cat Grooms Excessively — Is Something Wrong? Cats Posted on November 2015 Microchipping Your Pet Pet Health Posted on October 2015 Prepare Your Pets for Halloween Pet Health Posted on October 2015 Pets With Benefits Pet Health Posted on September 2015 Pet Travel Tips Pet Health Posted on September 2015 De-Skunking Your Dog Dogs Posted on August 2015 Dental Care for Your Pets Pet Health Posted on August 2015 Keeping Pets Cool This Summer Pet Health Posted on July 2015 Canine Environmental Enrichment Dogs Posted on July 2015 Hidden Dangers of Over-the-Counter Medications Pet Health Posted on June 2015 When Is a Goopy Eye a Problem? Pet Health Posted on June 2015 All About Hairballs Cats Posted on May 2015 Pet Therapy Pet Health Posted on May 2015 Introducing a New Pet to Your Current Ones Pet Health Posted on April 2015 What is in Your Pets’ Food? Pet Health Posted on April 2015 Natural Stress Relief for Pets Pet Health Posted on March 2015 Orthopedic Care for Dogs Dogs Posted on February 2015 A Great Tool for Pet Owners Pet Health Posted on February 2015 Flea Prevention Is Important for Cats Too! Cats Posted on January 2015 How to Control Bad Breath in Pets: Tips & Tricks Pet Health Posted on January 2015 Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs Dogs Posted on December 2014 Holiday Hazards for Pets Pet Health Posted on December 2014 Declawing Alternatives for Cats Cats Posted on November 2014 Acupuncture as Pain Management for Pets Pet Health Posted on November 2014 Types of Diabetes in Dogs Dogs Posted on October 2014 Two Common Diseases of Geriatric Cats Cats Posted on September 2014 Dangers of Rodent Bait Pet Health Posted on September 2014 Canine Lyme Disease Dogs Posted on August 2014 Fun Cat Trivia Cats Posted on July 2014 Adopting a Pet Is Just the Beginning Pet Health Posted on July 2014 Having a Positive Experience at the Dog Park Dogs Posted on June 2014 Flea Preventative Medications: Oral vs. Topical Pet Health Posted on June 2014 How to Keep Your Cat from

Vetopedia

Vetopedia is a glossary of terms used by vets in treating animals. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials; an organization which sets standards for pet food ingredients and minimum daily requirements. Abdomen A region of the body between the chest and the pelvis; belly. Abdominocentesis The insertion of a needle into the abdominal cavity to remove fluids. Abscess A localized accumulation of pus; usually associated with infection. ACE Inhibitor Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor: Drug which decreases the function of this particular enzyme. The angiotensin-converting-enzyme changes a compound called angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent blood vessel constrictor. ACE inhibitors, then, have the effect of dilating blood vessels, since less Angiotensin II is produced. Acid A fluid containing a high proportion of hydrogen ions, giving the liquid a sour taste. Measured by pH units, with 1 the most acid, and 14 the least acid. Chemical reactions in the body have to take place at or near neutrality, pH 7. ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone. A hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal gland to work. Activated Charcoal Charcoal which has been treated to increase its adsorptive power (ability to have chemicals adhere to it); used to treat various forms of poisoning. Active Immunity Immunity produced when an animal’s own immune system reacts to a stimulus e.g., a virus or bacteria, and produces antibodies and cells which will protect it from the disease caused by the bacteria or virus. Compare with ‘passive immunity.’ Acute Having a sudden and generally severe onset. See also Chronic. Addisons Disease Addison’s disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism. It is a disease that results from a decrease in corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal gland. Adjuvant A substance added to killed vaccines to stimulate a better immune response by the body. Common adjuvants contain aluminum compounds. Adrenal Glands Two small glands near the kidneys that produce many hormones required for life. Adrenaline A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that elevates heart and respiration rates; also called ‘epinephrine.’ Adrenergic Communication between the nerves and muscles that uses epinephrine as the ‘messenger.’ Adrenergic stimulation is what is involved in the ‘flight or fight’ response, which means the body is alerted to a danger of some sort and prepares to basically run or fight. Adrenergic stimulation results in an increased heart rate, sweating, and increased blood pressure. Adsorbent A solid substance which attracts other molecules to its surface. Adulticide Medication formulated to kill adult forms of a parasite. Aerobic Needing oxygen to live. See also Anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic Bacteria Bacteria that require oxygen to survive and grow. Agglutination Clumping together. Albino An animal that is completely white because it lacks the ability to make pigment. Its eyes are pale blue or pink. Albumin A protein in the blood responsible for the maintenance of osmotic (water) pressure in the blood; also binds (attaches) to large molecules in the blood and serves to transport them; produced by the liver; also called ‘serum albumin.’ Aldosterone A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland that stimulates sodium (and therefore water) retention and potassium excretion; important in blood pressure maintenance. Alimentary Pertaining to food or the digestive tract. Alkaline A substance with very few hydrogen ions, and a pH over 7. Lye is strongly alkaline. Allergen A substance that causes an allergic reaction, e.g., pollen. Alopecia A loss of hair or baldness. Alveoli The tiny microscopic areas of the lung where the actual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the blood occurs. Also called alveolus and alveolar sacs. Aminoglycoside A class of antibiotics which act by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis within the bacteria which results in the death of the bacteria. Antibiotics in this class include gentamicin (Gentocin), kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and amikacin. Many of these antibiotics are not well-absorbed from the animal’s digestive system, so are often administered as injections, or used topically. Amylase Digestive enzyme, produced by the pancreas which breaks down carbohydrates and starches. Anabolic Steroid A type of steroid (not a corticosteroid like prednisone, cortisone, or dexamethasone) which promotes the building of tissues, like muscle. Anaerobic Bacteria Bacteria which only live in an environment in which there is no or little oxygen, e.g., Clostridium tetani which causes tetanus. Analgesia Pain relief. Anamnestic Response The faster and greater immune response produced by an animal who has previously encountered that specific antigen. Memory cells are responsible for this more efficient response. Also called ‘secondary response.’ Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening, immediate allergic reaction to something ingested or injected. If untreated, it results in shock, respiratory and cardiac failure, and death. Androgen A hormone which produces male sexual characteristics, e.g., testosterone. Anemia A condition in which the number of red blood cells present in the blood is lower than normal. Anesthesia Loss of sensation or feeling; induced artificially with drugs to permit painful procedures such as surgery. Angiography The x-ray of vessels after injecting a contrasting fluid. Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) Drug which decreases the function of this particular enzyme. The angiotensin-converting-enzyme changes a compound called angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent blood vessel constrictor. ACE inhibitors, then, have the effect of dilating blood vessels, since less Angiotensin II is produced. Anisocoria A condition in which the pupils of the eyes are not of equal size. Anorexia Loss of appetite. Anterior Positioned in front of another body part, or towards the head of the animal. Opposite of posterior. Anthelmintic Medication which kills certain types of intestinal worms; dewormer. Antibiotics Usually refers to drugs administered to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria; not effective against viral infections. Antibody Small disease-fighting proteins produced by certain types of cells called ‘B cells.’ The proteins are made in response to ‘foreign’ particles such as bacteria or viruses. These antibodies bind with certain proteins (antigens) on