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Health

July 11th, 2020

7/11/2020

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Tear Stains

12/3/2018

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Your beautiful sweet little puppy looks so adorable, but as they continue to grow, some dogs may develop tear stains, especially if your puppy is of lighter color. Tear stains can accumulate as excess moisture (referred to as epiphora) develops from tears causing bacteria and yeast to grow. This condition is most prevalent in certain breeds including Shitzu, Lhasa Apso and Maltese. The causes of excessive tearing include, but not limited to genetics, health, diet, bacterial infection, ear infections, teething, irritation, high mineral content in the dog’s drinking water, blocked tear ducts, poor diet, plastic bowls, etc.

Why Do Some Pets Have or Show More Tear Staining? Tear stains are typically the result of porphyrins. Porphyrins are naturally occurring molecules containing iron – waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells -- and are mostly removed from the body through bile and the intestinal tract, however, in some dogs porphyrin is excreted through tears, saliva, and urine.

When tears and saliva containing porphyrins sit on light-colored fur for any period of time, staining will occur. And if it seems your pet’s tear stains are worse after he’s been outside, you’re not imagining things. The iron-containing stains do indeed darken when exposed to sunlight.
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How to Treat Tear Stains Safely
You can do a lot to control your pet’s tear staining by keeping his face meticulously clean and free of porphyrin-containing moisture. This means gently wiping his face at least twice a day with a soft, warm, damp cloth, keeping his face hair trimmed, and if necessary, making regular appointments with a groomer.

Other suggestions:
  • Coconut Oil is great for tear stains. Rub a small amount of coconut oil on the tear stain area for few minutes each day massaging gently.
  • BioTrue or ReNu contact lens cleaning agent has boric acid in it which is helpful for stains. The solution helps break down the porphyrins. Pour a little on a wash cloth and gently rub the affective area few times a day.
  • Feed a high-quality (preferably grain-free) balanced diet. The less unnecessary, indigestible stuff your pet’s body has to deal with, the less stress on her organs of detoxification.
  • Provide your pet with fresh, filtered or distilled drinking water instead of tap water, which is often high in mineral content or iron and other impurities, including chlorine and fluoride, which are toxic to pets.
  • Replace plastic & stainless steel food and water bowls with porcelain or glass. Worn plastic containers can harbor bacteria that may irritate your pet’s face.
  • Milk thistle, dandelion, olive leaf, chlorophyll, colostrum, and probiotics also help to decrease the amount of staining.
  • Clean your pet’s face with colloidal silver, which is completely safe around the eyes. You can buy it at any health food store. Colloidal silver has antimicrobial properties and will help reduce opportunistic yeast infections and moist dermatitis that can occur in the corners of your pet’s eyes.
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Is Pet Health Insurance Recommended?

12/3/2018

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Health Insurance is an individual decision and there is no magic formula that will tell you if it's right for you and your pet.  If you are considering pet insurance, talk to your veterinarian about different options to see if pet insurance is something you may consider.  Here are some considerations:
  • Talk to your vet about the different Pet Health Insurance providers they recommend and do a comparison of what they offer, as each company's coverage may be different.
  • Generally, the more basic coverage will take care of routine office visits, check-ups and diagnostics while more advanced coverage might include prescriptions, procedures, surgery's, and treatments for diseases.
  • The insurance provider should clearly spell out to you the details, including the limitations and exclusions, of coverage for routine and/or wellness care as well as emergency treatments and conditions that require extensive care. Find out how your premiums will be increased as your pet ages or if you make any claims.
  • See if they have add-on options to provide any specific coverage (e.g., dental care, travel insurance, etc.) you may want.
  • Find out how they define and handle pre-existing conditions (diseases or conditions your pet already has – or has had – prior to purchasing the insurance plan).
  • In some cases, insurance providers will not insure a specific pet or breed of pet, or may limit the number of pets you can insure, if they consider them "high risk."
  • Some providers will give multiple pet discounts.
  • All of the charges, including co-pays, deductibles, add-on charges and other fees, should be clearly explained to you so you fully understand the policy and its limitations.
  • You should be allowed to choose the veterinarian who will provide veterinary care for your pet.
  • Pet insurance plans are generally reimbursement plans – you pay the bills up front and are reimbursed by the insurance provider. Ask the insurance provider how claims are processed as well as the timeframe for reimbursement of your expenses so you know what to expect. If you're concerned about covering the expenses up front, ask your veterinarian about payment options that will work for you in case you need to make arrangements.
  • Your veterinarian should provide you with a recommended pet insurance company based on their experience, but it's ultimately your decision whether or not to purchase pet insurance.

​Below is a list we have complied that provide pet insurance. The list is intended to provide information and links to help you investigate and make an informed decision if insurance is right for your pet. As always, discuss with your veterinarian for further questions about pet insurance.
AKC Pet Insurance​
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Best Friends Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance
Figo Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws
PetFirst Healthcare
Pets Best
Petplan
PurinaCare
Trupanion
VPI


10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of February 2022 | Money

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Coccidia

12/3/2018

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It is important to remember your small puppy is not fully immunized until 16 weeks of age and they are still producing antibodies against germs until this time.  We bring this up because there is a parasite that you should be aware of named Coccidiosis (Coccidia).  Around 90% of all puppies and dogs alike carry this natural bacteria – Coccidia – in their intestines.  Most dogs will never have any situation with this parasite, and others will (especially young puppies).  This occurrence is more common in puppies due to compromising their young developing immune system.  As stated, your puppy is still developing their immune system and if their system becomes stressed, the Coccidia parasite may no longer stay dormant and actually hatch within the puppies’ intestines.  This can occur most often due to stress from transitioning a puppy to a new environment, being taken away from mom and siblings, car rides, over stimulation, rough play etc.  Symptoms include:
  • Light to severe diarrhea with/without blood or mucus in the stool.
  • Dehydration, due to vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Swollen and painful abdomen.
  • Weight loss.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Lack of activity and energy.
  • OR your puppy may not experience any of these symptoms.

If any of these signs due occur, a visit to your vet is in order.
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Diagnosing and treating Coccidiosis – the vet will need a fecal sample.  Typically, Coccidia is treated with sulfonamides which is an antibiotics.  The most common sulfonamides used is Albon and Bactrovet.  Your vet can discuss the best option for your puppy.
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Foods your pup should not eat

12/3/2018

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ITEMS TO AVOID                   REASONS TO AVOID
Alcoholic Beverage               Can cause intoxication, coma and death
Acocado                                  Can cause vomiting and diarrhea
Bones from Poulty                Can cause obstruction or laceration in digestive tract
Cat Food                                 Too high of protein count and fats
Chocolate or Coffee             Contains caffeine and be toxic to heart
Citrus Oil Extracts                 Can cause vomiting
Fat Trimmings                        Can cause pancreatitis
Fish (raw or canned)             Can cause seizures, vitamin B deficiency if feed too much
Grapes or Raisins                   Unknown toxins which can damage kidneys
Human Vitamins                    Can damage the lining of digestive tract and be toxic to other  organs
Macadamia Nuts                    Unknown toxins, damaging to organs
Milk and Dairy                        Diarrhea and mucus forming
Mushroom                              Unknown toxins, shock to body
Onions or Garlic                    Contains sulfoxides and disulfides which can damage red blood cells
Raw Eggs                                Contains an enzyme called avidin. Toxic and contains Salmonella
Sugary Foods                         Can lead to obesity, dental problems and diabetes mellitus
Artificial Sweeteners            Can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), vomiting, liver failure
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Benefits of Pumpkin

12/3/2018

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When people think of pumpkin, they may think of carving a pumpkin for Halloween, baking a delicious pie or splurging on a pumpkin latte from Starbuck during holiday time.  But many people may not know the great health benefits pumpkin offers for their furry friend.  100% pumpkin (canned is fine) is high in fiber, low in fat and cholesterol,  and loaded with beta carotene, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamins A and C.
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A Tablespoon a day is all that is needed for your dog to reap the amazing benefits of pumpkin. 
THE MANY BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN
  • Helps with a new puppy that may have loose stools during transition time.
  • Pumpkin flesh contains soluble fiber, which helps slows digestion, and can help manage diarrhea by absorbing water.
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Giardia

12/3/2018

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Giardia is a protozoan  parasite that can infect the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs and is capable of causing diarrhea and vomiting,  weight loss and lethargy — although many infected animals show no signs at all. It is common throughout the United States and can cause infections at almost any time of year. Unlike many other infectious organisms, Giardia persists longer in the environment when conditions are cool and moist.

Most dogs become infected by drinking water contaminated with feces. Giardia then infects the small intestine, and infected dogs pass microscopic cysts in their stool. These cysts can then infect another animal or person if ingested. Giardia cysts are very resistant in the environment, and can live for many months under the correct circumstances. These cysts are a threat to pet health, and giardia is a very common cause of pet diarrhea in the United States.
  • All dogs — even those on year-round parasite preventives and those without diarrhea — should have at least one to two fecal samples performed annually as part of their wellness exam to screen for gastrointestinal parasites, including giardia.
  • All dogs with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea should be tested for giardia and other gastrointestinal parasites.

Testing for Giardia.   There is no perfect test for giardia. Giardia is an elusive parasite, and cysts are shed only intermittently from the gastrointestinal tract of an infected dog. A single fecal sample has only a 70 percent chance of detecting an infection. Performing three fecal samples within five consecutive days increases the chance of detection to greater than 90 percent. There are other tests such as the giardia ELISA that can be used with a routine fecal sample to increase the likelihood of a diagnosis to about 95 percent.

Treating Giardia.  If your dog is diagnosed with giardia, he will likely be prescribed medication, and your veterinarian will recommend a follow-up fecal sample two weeks after treatment.  A dog should be bathed on his last day of treatment to eliminate all giardia cysts from his hair coat. Wearing gloves, you should bathe and rinse his whole body as normal and then focus last on his hind end. Do not touch the rest of his body after you have bathed and rinsed around the anus. This will eliminate spreading any remaining giardia cysts around his hair coat. Pet bowls, toys, etc., should be disinfected in either boiling water or in a high-temperature dishwasher. Upholstery and carpeting should be steam-cleaned and allowed to dry. Hard surfaces can be disinfected with a dilute bleach solution (3/4 cup of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water) or a disinfecting household cleaning product.
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            CATEGORIES
    HEALTH
    -Pumpkin Benefits 
    ​-No eating foods
    - Giardia
    - Coccidia
    -Tear Stains
    - Health Insurance

    GENERAL INFO.  
    ​- Our Breeds
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    - Male vs. Female
    - Colors of mixed Breed

    TRAINING
    ​- Basic Training
    - Crate Training
    - 6 Steps to Perfect Pup
    - Tips
     
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  • Home
  • Puppies
    • Available Puppies
    • Puppy Application
    • Everything Puppy >
      • General Information
      • Health
      • My To Do List
      • Puppy Names
      • Puppy Apartment
      • Training
      • Recommended Products
      • First Few Days
  • Teeny Tails
  • Courier
  • Important
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Who we Are
  • Photos
    • All Grown Up
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    • So Cute
    • Special Occasions
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