Here are some tips from the Humane Society of the United States for owner’s of a pit bull that are currently renting:

       1. Renters who currently own a pit bull or pit bull mix should contact attorneys licensed in Maryland with any questions or concerns regarding their specific situations.

       In general, a landlord cannot change a lease to ban pit bulls before the lease term expires. A lease is a contract, and under Maryland law the landlord may not change the terms of the lease without your consent for the remainder of the lease term. If your lease has an automatic renewal clause, the landlord must notify you of a rent increase or any other change with enough notice for you to decide whether you want to renew or not. If your lease does not automatically renew, you should be sure to thoroughly read the new lease you will sign for any prohibition against dogs that may constitute a pit bull.

       2. Options for renters with pit bulls will likely begin to be more difficult to find. For tips for finding pet friendly rental properties, go here: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/animal_friendly_apartments.html.

                   3. In general, if a tenant breaches the terms of a lease agreement, a landlord may evict him or her. However, the landlord must go to court and obtain an eviction judgment first.  Also, state law requires the landlord to first give the tenant one month’s advance notice that he is ending the lease and the reason why. However, if the breach of lease involves tenant behavior that constitutes a danger to other people or property, the landlord must only give 14 days advance notice. Therefore, if a tenant with a pit bull or pit bull mix has a lease that is about to expire, he or she should review the new lease for any changes, as there may be a short time frame in which to make moving arrangements.

       4. If a tenant does not have a written lease or does not know whether it’s in effect, he or she should be aware that a landlord is required to use a written lease if the tenancy is going to be for a year or longer, or if the landlord owns five or more rental units in the State.  If a lease is to last more than a year, it must be written to be enforceable. If you have an oral agreement your landlord must still give proper written notice before any changes to the terms of an oral lease.

If you are opposed to this action, please write to your Maryland congressmen and repesentatives.

One of the biggest struggles medical professionals in the veterinary field have is educating our clients.  Our goal is to make it possible for every pet owner to make informed decisions that are right for them and their pets no matter the issue. 

The internet though, to put it plainly, is a double edged sword. It provides easy and quick access to an astronomical amount of information.   For hungry minds, you can access and learn about anything your heart desires. Living in the information age has changed how we do everything.  How we communicate with each other (e-mail, instant messenger, Facebook, tweets, texting…) has changed to the point where one of the things we use our phones for the least is actually making a call.  It has changed how we take care of ourselves and our families as well.  Now, instead of calling your doctor or your veterinarian with a question it’s much easier and, to be honest, faster to google it.  So what’s the problem?  If anything this should make our jobs as medical professionals easier right? 

Unfortunately what is good, even great, about the internet is also its biggest downfall. Anyone… and I mean ANYONE… can put information on the internet.  There is no overseeing body that ensures the information posted is even remotely accurate.  There is no way of knowing if “Dr. Awesome” is even a real doctor.  The amount of information available that is just flat out wrong is staggering.  And the worst information always has a ring of truth to it, sounding plausible, even logical.  So what am I trying to say here… avoid the internet at all costs???  Of course not.  I’m just as guilty of googling as the next person.  

So what are we internet information addicts to do?

1. Start with a reliable source.  Avoid personal blogs that are more opinion than unbiased facts or store sites that are trying to sell you something.  You can make anything sound like “the best thing ever” with the right marketing.  
2. Avoid online pharmacies…  I know this is a touchy subject.  But no amount of discount on the planet can replace a real pharmacist.  There are fewer safety protocols in place with online pharmacies than there are with your local pharmacy.  Drug interactions are flagged with a pharmacist as well as the medication’s purchasing source.  Did you know that a large portion of pet medications online do not come from the manufacturer!! Many pet related products are only sold to veterinarians.  So where are they getting their product? 
3. Ask your veterinarian for sites they recommend.  Most veterinarians keep a laundry lists of good, respectable sites for information.  Find out who they recommend before starting your own research.
4. Take whatever you find back to your veterinarian.  Most veterinarians will be more than happy to look over any information you may uncover, but remember even great and completely accurate information may not be right for your situation.  The symptoms your pet is showing could be the same symptoms for a dozen different diseases.  It’s a Veterinarian’s job to weed through all the possible illness’ and ailments to find the one that is affecting your pet.

 We have long believed that a good owner is an educated owner, so google to your hearts content.  Just remember, your Veterinarian is always on your side.  So don’t make any final decisions before consulting a professional.

So what are we talking about:

1. Chemistry Profile- tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels to test for diabetes
2. A complete blood count (CBC) to ensure there are no bleeding complications or any unidentified infections.
3. Electrolyte tests to ensure your dog isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance

Additional tests such as urinalysis, thyroid check, heartworm testing and/or Feline Leukemia/ FIV testing may be added on an individual basis. 

To ensure your pet the safest anesthetic experience, make sure the following precautions are also taken:

1. The placement of an intravenous (IV) catheter. The catheter is placed to provide anesthetics and IV fluids to keep your pet hydrated.  Additionally, it would serve as a way to directly administer life-saving medications, should a crisis arise.
2. Intravenous fluids to help maintain hydration and blood pressure. IV fluids also help your pet with her recovery process by aiding the liver and kidneys in clearing the body of anesthetic agents more quickly.



Safety During Anesthesia

1. The surgical assistant/veterinary technician: A technician is present during the entire anesthetic event to monitor your dog’s vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and others) and to help adjust anesthetic levels, under the direction of the veterinarian.
2. A heart rate monitor counts your pet’s heartbeats per minute. By monitoring your dog’s heart rate, your veterinarian can make anesthetic adjustments quickly.
3. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors your dog’s heart rate and heartbeat pattern. It can detect abnormal heartbeats called arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia is detected, your veterinarian can make suitable changes in anesthesia.
4. Core body temperature is also monitored. Changes in body temperature can cause dangerous complications. 
5. A blood pressure monitor measures your dog’s blood pressure. It provides detailed information on your pet’s cardiovascular condition.
6. Pulse oximetry monitors the amount of oxygen in your dog’s blood and her pulse rate. 

 Recovery or Post Surgical Care 

1. A veterinary technician continues to monitor your pet’s vital signs until your pet is awake and sitting up.
2. Pain medication is administered to ensure a smooth recovery and to keep you pet pain free.
3. IV fluids are continued after the procedure to help maintain your pets blood pressure and hydration as well as assisting the liver and kidneys in clearing the anesthetic agents from the body.

Most importantly though I want you to remember that not all veterinary practices are created equal.  Before having any procedure perform on you pet be sure to ask the vetrinarian about the procedure and their safety protocols in place.  If many of the protocols above are not followed you may want to consider going somewhere else.

True or False!!!

Spaying or neutering will make my dog fat!         FALSE

• So what is to blame? Metabolism slows down due to hormone changes but this is easily controlled by decreasing the amount fed and exercising more.
• Age of animal at time of spay or neuter can also be a factor  – transition into adulthood
• Reasons to spay Females

–        Unspayed female Dogs and Cats

• Increased risk of mammary cancer
• Pyometra- Uterine infection that can be a severely life threatening emergency situation
• Frequent UTI after heat cycles
• Dealing with heat cycles twice yearly
• Increasing animal populations that are already too high
• Reasons to neuter Males

–        Un-neutered Cat

• Spraying or marking in the house
• Aggressiveness to other cats

–        Un-neutered Dog

• Increased risk of prostate and testicular disease
• Aggressive behavior, increase risk of run-aways, marking behavior

True or False!!!

All pets should have a litter before being spayed/neutered.  FALSE

• They don’t need to have litters!!! Having litters (even one) puts then at an increase risk of mammary cancer and birth complications (c-section, death, hypocalcemia, uterine infection)

True or False!!!

Recommended age for spay and neutering is 5-6 months TRUE

• Spaying pet before the first go into heat or for male before they begin spraying or marking can eliminate most of the unwanted behavior and minimize if not completely eliminate their risks for prostate, testicular, uterine, mammary or ovarian cancers

True or False!!!

You can tell how your pet is feeling by how their nose feels or looks. Example- wet, dry, cold, hot, pink, or black           FALSE

• Wet/dry/pink/black nose tells you nothing
• Discharge from nose is important
• Other important signs of sickness

–        Changes in eating or drinking habits

–        Urinary habits changing

–        Change in energy level *Lethargy*, or behavioral changes

–        Hot to the touch (ears, belly), even better to do a rectal temp.
Normal- 99-102 degrees

–        Changes in weight,  gaining or losing
True or False!!!

Ringworm is a fungus not a worm  TRUE

• Zoonotic disease (people can get it from animals)
• IT IS NOT A PARASITE. It is in the fungus family
   

True or False!!!

Dogs can NOT get heartworms from other dogs TRUE

• Transmitted by mosquito
• Preventable by using heartworm prevention monthly
• Fatal in dogs, can be fatal in cats
• Is treatable but treatment is risky

True or False!!!

Inside Pets Don’t Need Heartworm Prevention   FALSE

 All dogs and cats should be on heartworm prevention

• 30% of heartworm positive cats are indoor only
• Mosquitos can come inside

True or False!!!

Dog saliva cleans wounds FALSE

But where did the thought come from?

• There is an antibacterial agent called hypothiocyanite in dogs saliva
  (also in human saliva)
• But there is a larger amount of bacteria present in dogs mouths so the benefits don’t outweigh the risks

True or False!!!

Corn and grains are the #1 food allergy in dogs and cats            FALSE!!!

• Beef and dairy are the top food allergens (80%)
• Need true food trial for 3 months on prescription hypoallergenic food to diagnose food allergies
• Only ~ 25% of dogs with allergies have food allergies and of those less than 2% have an allergy to corn
• It is common for pet to have more than one allergy.  Pets can have food, environmental, and flea allergies all together
• Environmental allergens are absorbed through skin, NOT inhaled
• Common allergy reaction sites
  • Environmental- paws, ears, abdomen, groin, armpits
  • Food allergy- under tail, around rectum
  • Flea allergy

–        Dogs- on back just in front of tail

–        Cats- around neck and in front of tail

What to do????????

• Allergy testing, then allergy shots
• Medications- antihistamines, frequent bathing with the correct shampoo, steroids, atopica, antibiotics, antifungals, ear meds
• Prescription diets- hypoallergenic, or skin support

True or False!!!

When dogs drag there butts on the ground it means they have worms.      FALSE

• Most commonly it is an anal gland issue
• Diarrhea can also be a cause
• Allergies (food allergies present skin issues around rectum)
• Could mean VERY heavy infestation with parasites

True or False!!!

Your dog/cat may have intestinal parasites even if you can’t see them in the feces.  TRUE

• Pet needs to have very heavy infestation to see the adult worms in the feces
• Fecal tests identify the parasite eggs
• Best ways to avoid intestinal parasites
  • Use heartworm prevention on cats and dogs monthly year-round
  • Maintain good flea control with prevention monthly
  • Clean up feces in yard

True or False!!!

Pet store employees are good source of information    FALSE

• Your veterinarian or veterinary technician should always be your first point of contact
• Veterinary school websites are also good
• Our website – http://www.funkstownvet.com has other reliable website links



True or False!!!

Just because a product is all natural, it doesn’t mean it is safe TRUE

• Natural does NOT = safe
• Pennyroyal- toxic to dogs and cats
• White willow bark- toxic to cats
• Garlic- heintz body anemia
• Tea tree oil- toxic to cats and small dogs
• Ma Huang- toxic to cats
• Comfrey- liver damage
• Hops- toxic to greyhounds
• Many different herb-drug interactions

True or False!!!

Brewers yeast, garlic, and dawn baths are good flea treatments FALSE

• Brewers yeast is not effective
• Garlic can be toxic- Can cause heinz body anemia
• Dawn- only drowns the fleas and strips the oil from the coat = itchy dry skin

True or False!!!

All over the counter flea products work the same and are safe to use if you follow the label directions     FALSE

• Need to be extra careful with cats can = death
• Not effective
• Stick with veterinary recommended Products
• Vectra (not for cats)
• Frontline Plus (NOT the new generics they are NOT the same)
• Advantage and advantage multi
• Advantix (not for cats)

True or False!!!

Price does not determine how good a dog food is, example- Expensive food = good food TRUE

• Stick with brands that have been researched and proved to be healthy  
• Look on the back for AAFCO certified
• Hill’s Science Diet
• Purina ProPlan and Purina One
• Iams/Eukanuba
• Royal Canin
• When in doubt ask you veterinarian

True or False!!!

Pain after surgery is good because it helps keep pets quiet FALSE

• Pain = delayed wound healing
• Why wouldn’t you want your pet pain free??!!

Myth: It is easy to find homes for puppies and kittens.

Fact: If you are lucky enough to be able to place your kittens there are a few things to
remember. For every human born there are 7 puppies and kittens born and right
now there are an estimated 15 million animals being euthanized each year and
Millions more that are abandoned. Approximately 61% of all dogs and 75% of all cats entered into a shelter never get adopted and are killed.

Myth: A pet should have at least on litter before being spayed.

Fact: One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in just 7 years. It is much healthier and less expensive to spay or neuter your pet at 5-6 months of age. It eliminates the risks involved in pregnancy and the cost of caring for litters of kittens or puppies.

Myth: Breeding is a good way to earn money.

Fact: You won’t become a millionaire raising puppies and kittens. As a matter of fact most breeders lose money. Becoming a true breeder requires having show quality pure bred animals. This means they are AKC registered with proof of lineage. OFA registrations are needed for many of the larger breeds, not to mention entering the animals into dog or cat shows.  And that’s just for the parents.  Once you have your litter there are several visits to your veterinarian in order to ensure a healthy litter that is properly up to date on vaccines and deworming. And remember most owners willing to pay for a new pet know what to look.

Myth: Spaying and neutering will alter my pets personality. Neutering a male will take away
his masculinity.

Fact: Spaying and neutering merely eliminates hormones that can lead to roaming, aggression, and negative behavior. Neutering males completely eliminates the risk of getting testicular cancer and drastically reduces the risk for prostate cancer. Spaying females eliminates the chance of getting ovarian cancer and reduces the risk of pyometra (infection of the uterus).

If you are still considering breeding there is a checklist you should go through before making you final
decision.

1. Is your dog a purebred?
2. Did you get your dog from a breeder?
3. Did you get a three to five generation pedigree
   with your dog?
4. Are there at least four title dogs (conformation,
   tracking, obedience, etc.) in the last three generations?
5. Does your dog have a stable temperament?
6. Does your dog fit the breed standard?
7. Is your dog healthy and certified (OFA, CERF) free
   of genetic diseases?

If you answer no to any of these questions…
Get your pet spayed or neutered!

The key to a long life is prevention and early detection, or at least that’s what my doctor keeps telling me. Many illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure can be prevented or at least lessened by a healthy balanced diet. If you exercise and eat right you can prevent obesity which can also lead to joint problems and arthritis. I have bloodwork done every year to check for kidney problems, liver problems, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart problems. My family also has a history of cancer so any strange lump or skin spot and I’m back at my doctors.

When I go home and play with my cats I notice that they have a lot of the same issues I have. One’s a little overweight, one is just turning 10 and one has a history of urinary tract infections. So I take them to the vet and ask the vet what I can do to keep them around as long as possible and you know what she said?

“The primary goals of our annual wellness exams are prevention and early detection. Prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment and it is most definitely better for your pet.” She recommended bloodwork to check for diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease, especially with my older girl. She listened for any age related heart murmurs or defects. She felt their bellies for any abnormalities, and checked their ears, eyes and teeth for signs of aging or disease. She asked me about what they eat and how often they exercise, and if I’ve felt any new lumps or bumps. This was starting to sound all too familiar.

“Pets need the same health checks that people do, but their bodies change so rapidly that we need to keep a much closer eye on any changes that may occur. Think about how much your body has changed within the last 5 -7 years? That’s how much can change in just 1 year for them.”  I want to keep my girls around as long as possible.  So, now my pets get regular check ups; yearly for my younger pets and twice a year for my old girl.

Want more info on yearly exams?  check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFzRc3GOH6Y

Step 1: Start by rubbing or scratching their muzzle right over where the teeth are on a daily basis.  Don’t try and lift the lip or open their mouth in any way.  Do this on one side and then the other rewarding them with praise and a lick of the dental toothpaste from you finger and with a dental treat.  You want to continue using the toothpaste as a treat until the pet starts getting excited when they see the tube of toothpaste. (There are many different flavors of toothpaste available for pets, so if your pet does not like one flavor there are others to choose from to find one your pet will like.)

Step 2: Continue rubbing or scratching their muzzle right over where the teeth are only now start lifting their lips to see the teeth as well.  Again you want to continue using the toothpaste as a treat licked from you finger.
Step 3: Continue rubbing or scratching their muzzle right over where the teeth, but now when you lift the lip, rub your finger over their teeth without toothpaste. Continue using the toothpaste as a treat.
Step 4: Continue as before only start rubbing the toothpaste on their teeth.
Step 5: Eventually you will be able to move on to a figure brush or a toothbrush.

Each step could take a couple of days or a couple of weeks, but the key is to TAKE IT SLOW, and always reward them for each positive step.

By brushing your pet’s teeth at home you may be able to decrease the amount of periodontal disease and plaque build-up in your pet’s mouth. 

This applies to cats as well as dogs.

**VERY IMPORTANT: If your pet is aggressive or prone to biting you can substitute a tooth brush in place of your finger in the steps above. HOWEVER if there is any sign of aggression STOP!  There are other safer ways care for your pets teeth that won’t result in a trip to the ER for you.

WHEN SHOULD I START?

The best time to start is when pets are puppies and kittens.  Your pet will be much more open to having their teeth brushed if they learn it from an early age.  And just as with children as long as they have teeth they should be cared for.

If you have an older pet, the best time to start is after a dental cleaning.  You have a clean slate to work with and there shouldn’t be as much sore gum tissue or bad teeth as there could be before a dental.

SO WHAT IF I JUST CAN’T BRUSH MY PET’S TEETH?

There are special dental diets and treats available from your veterinarian that are designed to help break down tartar, prolonging the time between dental exams and cleaning procedures.

Oral rinses and additives to a pet’s drinking water are also available to help minimize the amount of harmful bacteria present in your pet’s mouth.  The less bacteria present the less plaque and tartar buildup.

Dental disease in pets, just as in humans, can be controlled with the proper care. Ask your vet to evaluate your pets teeth and recommend the best course of action for your pet.

Click here to check out our special dental offers for the month of February!!

Step 1 Oral Cleaning

All the teeth are cleaned by the use of hand scaling and ultra-sonic scalers.  Tartar and plaque are removed on the tooth surface and under the gum line.

Step 2 Tooth by tooth assessment

• Each tooth is evaluated for movement, fractures, sores, bleeding, receding gums, and cavities.
• Teeth are probed and pockets measured. (A pocket is a detachment of the gum from the tooth roots)
• Radiographs are taken to evaluate bone loss and tooth root damage or infection.
• Extra or missing teeth are noted and recorded.
• The gum tissue is examined for infection or excessive growth.
• All findings are charted on a dental evaluation chart.

Step 3 Treatment

Once evaluated, each tooth is treated as needed whether it be subgingival scaling ( removing tartar from under the gum line), extraction, removal of excess gum tissues, or referral to a dental specialist for root canal or other treatment.

 
Step 4 Prevention

• The teeth are polished to smooth out any grooves in the enamel to make it harder for bacteria to attach to the tooth.
• The mouth is then flushed with a bacteria killing rinse that removes debris and other infectious agents from the subgingival area, allowing the mouth to heal without the fear of infection.

Step 5 At Home Care

• Medications such as antibiotics and pain medications may be needed to help the teeth heal properly after a dental cleaning.
• There are special dental diets and treats available from your veterinarian that are designed to help break down tartar, prolonging the time between dental exams and cleaning procedures.
• Oral rinses or additives to a pet’s drinking water are available to help minimize the amount of harmful bacteria present in your pets mouth.

Ask your vet about special toothpaste and tooth brushes that you can use. Dogs and cats require a special kind of toothpaste. By brushing your pet’s teeth at home you may be able to decrease the amount of periodontal disease and plaque build-up in your pet’s mouth. 

Dental disease in pets, just as in humans, can be controlled with the proper care. Ask your vet to evaluate your pets teeth and recommend the best course of action for your pet.

Click here to check out our special dental offers for the month of February!!

 BUT Imagine what your dentist would say to you if you didn’t brush your teeth for… 

Here are a few other points to ponder:

1. Its more than just bad breath! At minimum its inflamed gum tissue caused by bacteria; at worse it’s abscessed (infected) and loose teeth.  Either way it’s painful!

2. Routine dental cleanings are just as important for pets as they are for people.   Bacteria from a pet’s mouth can also enter the blood stream where it will travel: hearts lungs, liver and kidneys can all have dangerous and long term effects from untreated dental disease.

Yearly dental cleanings not only minimize the amount of tartar and plaque build up that can infect and kill teeth, but it can help prevent long term adverse effects throughout the body.

3. Prevention is KEY!!!!!  The more preventative care you do at home decreases the frequency and severity of the dental cleanings needed with your veterinarian.

There are special dental diets and treats available from your veterinarian that are designed to help break down tartar, prolonging the time between dental exams and cleaning procedures.

Oral rinses or additives to a pet’s drinking water are available to help minimize the amount of harmful bacteria present in your pet’s mouth.

BUT NOTHING BEATS BRUSHING YOUR PETS TEETH!

Ask your vet about special toothpaste and tooth brushes that you can use. Dogs and cats require a special kind of toothpaste. DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE. Most human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed. Brushing your pet’s teeth at home decreases the amount of periodontal disease and plaque build-up in your pet’s mouth. 

Click here to check out our special dental offers for the month of February!!

Here are some helpful hints for losing those extra pounds

Good Nutrition – a healthy food formulated for your pet’s life stage is the perfect place to start, but your veterinarian may recommend a special prescription diet food to help your pet lose weight more easily.

Measure, measure, measure – Saying that you only feed 1 cup of food a day isn’t exactly accurate when that cup is a large fountain drink cup.  A marked measuring cup of appropriate size should be used to help you measure how much food you are actually giving at each meal.

Meal feeding – Feeding several small measured meals may keep your pet from begging or snacking when he or she is bored.

Healthy treat choices – Treats do have calories no matter how much we wish they didn’t. As a matter of fact, often pets get more calories in the treats that we feed them than they do in their actual meals. Offer vegetables instead of cookies to keep the extra calories to a minimum. You can reward your pet without putting on those extra pounds.

Exercise – Burning calories is a great way to lose weight. Low impact activities are the best place to start: walking, behavioral training, or swimming. When your pet’s endurance increases try playing fetch, jogging, or agility classes. Start slowly to prevent injury. For an inactive patient a few exercise events of 10 minutes duration are a better start than 45 minutes of steady activity.

Monitor your Pets Weight- It is important to bring your pet in monthly for a weight check on approximately the same day every month and keep a chart of how much your pet loses. 

But Be Careful!
Sudden transitions to less fatty diet foods may cause your pet to go on food strike because of curb appeal or an upset tummy from a sudden diet change. Please use our food transition guidelines to ease that transition.

Like everything there can be too much of a good thing. Weight loss of more than 2% per week for dogs and more than 1% per week for cats is not healthy and can cause problems that we want to avoid.