ePetDrugs Blog

During this time of year, especially in the extreme cold states, it is very easy for pets to get dry and itchy skin. By now your pet should have its winter coat which keeps them nice and warm, but that doesn’t protect from the dry conditions caused by the cold.

Take a step back and watch your pets for a few minutes. Do they seem like they are scratching more today than they did, say, during the summer? Probably so. There are a few simple things that you can do to help your pets out this winter to make sure that your scratching is for feel good purposes only.

Rub-a-dub-dub:

Bathing your pet automatically causes the skin to dry out, especially when you use shampoo. Many shampoo’s boast about keeping the coat shiny with conditioners and such, but the coat isn’t what we are worried about here, it is the skin underneath. With each bath, the essential oils produced by the skin to keep it moist, are washed away leaving a dry, flaky sensation behind.

Here Fishy-Fishy:

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in a number of foods these days. The foods that are rich in Omega 3’s will aid in the skin’s production of oil as well as a host of other nifty functions, like nail growth, coat sheen and a healthy mind. Omega 3 supplements, like Welactin, can also be given to your pets. I used to buy the gel capsules, break two open and squeeze them into the food. It smelled horrible because it was the fish oil, but my Great Dane loved it!

Does this coat make me look fat?

Not all fats are bad. Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3’s) and Amino Acids, which are the building blocks of protein are great for skin and coat health. These supplements provide nutrients that the skin needs in order to keep itself moist and flexible.

Please be aware of the condition of your pet’s skin. How would you like to be dry and cracked? Pet’s don’t have lotion like we do, so they have to get their fix through their diet. Next time you look at your pet, just say, “If I scratch your back, will you scratch…something other than the furniture?” You might be surprised at the answer.

So, Jack won’t stop barking at the squirrels, Boomer keeps nipping at guests and Lucy won’t come when called, much less fetch a ball. What in the world is there that can fix these things?

Not all pet training is created equal. Some systems employ, what I like to call, the Trick or Treat method, where after the trick the dog will get a treat as a reward. This is a great method if you are looking to get a little behavior modification such as a sit, stay, or lay down.

Another method is rewarding with actions rather than treats. For instance, scratching behind the ears when a trick is performed correctly. This saves the trainer from losing control of the dog just because there are no treats around.

Dog Whispering uses methods that work off of the pack mentality. The trainer assumes the role of Alpha Male and uses that authority to command his/her presence.

Finally, there are other methods such as pulse collars, mostly used for training dogs who hunt and are out in the field actively doing something that requires a lot of self-control.

Different training techniques work for different situations. For instance you probably wouldn’t use a pulse collar on a dog getting ready for a show. The best choice would probably be either rewarding with actions or something similar to dog whispering. Figure out what your needs and budget are, then start contacting local trainers and see what they suggest, but don’t forget to ask why. There is no point in paying someone to train your dog like a show dog if all you want them to do is to come when called.

Animals are prone to the same issues with their ears as us humans are. The only difference is that a cat can’t grab a cotton swab and have a go at it if there is water in their ear while a dog can’t administer drops in case of an ear infection.

That is where we come in to help. By taking care of our pet’s ears, we not only help them out, but we save ourselves a trip to the vet. One of the most common issues that I witnessed while working in a vet hospital is ear infection. I would guestimate that at least one pet every other day would come in and subsequently leave with a small dose of antibiotic drops to be applied twice a day for 10 days.

Animals are prone to the same issues with their ears as us humans are. The only difference is that a cat can’t grab a cotton swab and have a go at it if there is water in their ear while a dog can’t administer drops in case of an ear infection.

That is where we come in to help. By taking care of our pet’s ears, we not only help them out, but we save ourselves a trip to the vet. One of the most common issues that I witnessed while working in a vet hospital is ear infection. I would guestimate that at least one pet every other day would come in and subsequently leave with a small dose of antibiotic drops to be applied twice a day for 10 days.

There are products that help to keep our pet’s ears clean and dry. Just like with humans, there are drops for swimmers ear, general cleaning and drying, and also for mild ear infections. Some of these drops are meant to be used after baths and summer playtime in the pools and ponds. Others are only to be use if an ear infection has started. Please consult the directions on the bottles for proper usage instructions. If used properly, these eardrops can help keep you and your pet happy.

Have you ever cut your fingernail too close to the skin? It hurts like the dickens doesn’t it? Sure it does, and it usually bleeds too. It is the same way with your pet.

The quick is the living part of the nail, that little pink triangle on the underneath side of the paw at the base of the claw. Think of it as your finger under your fingernail, that soft fleshy part that turns black when you hit it with a hammer.

The last thing you want to do is cut the quick on your pet. This usually is followed by a yelp or hiss and some blood on the nail. Here is the easiest way I found to cut the nail without getting too close.

Bend your finger slightly. Do you see how it creates little nooks? There is a little nook just like that between the tip of the quick and the bottom of the dead part of the nail. Position the bottom blade of the nail clippers right in that nook and then move the top blade down towards the tip of the nail, just a little bit. Make sure the nail clipper is perpendicular to the nail and cut.

Tadaa. You have a nail that is cut close to the quick, but not to the sensitive part. Your pet will love you for this and you will save yourself the hassle of chasing down a dog who doesn’t want his nails cut again.

It is, with out a doubt, getting colder outside. With that weather change, our joints are getting a little more stiff each morning, trying to warm up and get accustom to the weather change. Your pets are no different.

Puppies, sure, they can be up and playing around in a matter of 5 minutes. What kid can’t? The older the dog (or cat for that matter) the more difficult of a time they might have. If you don’t believe me, think back to when you were a teen. You could jump out of bed, dishevel your hair, grab a pop tart and be out the door for school in 13.27 minutes flat. I don’t know about you, but now it takes me almost an hour to get up and moving and out of the house.

There are a few great supplements you can give your pet if you would like. They are natural and most humans take them. My brother gives his Akita, who is 11 years old, glucoasmine every morning and evening. It has made a huge difference in his joint movement. ePets actually sells a product by Dasuquin which is formulated with glucosamine, but even better is that they actually measure out the doses for you depending on the size of your pet.

If you notice your pet having a hard time getting up or even moving about every day, I challenge you to give them glucosamine for 30 days straight and see if there isn’t any improvement. I bet there will be a big difference and there is nothing like having your best friend back to normal for the holidays.

Dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Most people think that by eating hard foods, the dog or cat will be able to maintain dental integrity. Just because you can chew through a pound of croutons, does that mean you don’t have to brush?

No! Of course not.

Pets are no different and there are numerous types of dental care items you can buy. Here are the ones I suggest:

C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs - This kit includes poultry-flavored C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, C.E.T. Fingerbrush, and C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. To be quite honest, I like the fingerbrush the best. It lets you know you are getting everywhere you need to. Cats are a little more difficult and if you don’t feel comfortable restraining your cat (trust me, you will most likely need to do this) then make sure you have a dental checkup with your vet at least twice a year.

There are a few mouth rinses which can be purchased here and here if you would like. I don’t usually use these because they are a bit messy, but to each their own.

Finally there is an equivalent to a fluoride treatment to help protect and prevent plaque and tarter buildup. It is called OraVet and works quite well. It is rather simple to apply and works great as an in-between cleaning prevention.

No matter what you decide to use, just make sure you are consistent with the cleaning. It will make all the difference to your pet’s teeth.

Declawing cats, otherwise known as onychectomy, is a pretty touchy subject. Some rant about how nice it is to now have couch tassels and others boast of the inhumane procedure involved. Like all things there are pros and cons on each side of the ball of yarn.

It is a solid and unwavering fact: Cats naturally have claws. They are similar to our fingernails. Just think of all the things you do to your fingernails and then imagine your cat doing the same. OK, well maybe not painting them cherry red or anything, but cutting them down if they start to crack or filing them if they become too uneven. Cats have to go through the same process, only in different ways.

A cat with claws usually needs to file them down if they get too long. This is done on a rough surface, or some place they can dig their claws into. If your cat is able to go outside, trees are usually the prime victim, but for an inside cat, there is usually only furniture and the carpet. It is best to introduce your cat at a very young age to a scratching post so that they learn where to “cut” their nails.

Cats that have an abnormal destructive behavior or are in danger of harming people usually need to be declawed and at this point many vets would rather see a declaw than turning in to a shelter or even worse, letting the cat go wild outside. If you think your cat might fit this category, talk to your vet. There might be other methods to help such as a new vinyl cap that can be fitted over their claw to help keep it dull.

While cats with claws can be destructive inside the house, cats without claws have no form of protection outside the house. This is a giant factor when deciding whether or not to declaw. Once again, talk with your vet and know that like all surgery procedures, animal and human alike, there is a possibility for error and an altered outcome.

Bloat, or Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or torsion (GDT) is a very serious issue in “deep-chested” dogs and is the second leading killer after cancer. Bloat is usually found in large breed dogs that are fed once a day. They will usually inhale their food, gulp down a gallon of water and then want to go for a run right after.

The types of dogs that bloat usually affects are Great Danes, German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Akitas, Bloodhounds, Weimaraners and Collies, just to name a few. Some of the signs of bloat include, but are not limited to, abdominal distention, salivating, restlessness, unproductive gagging and a “hunched up” appearance.

Of course, the best cure for bloat is to make sure it doesn’t happen. A few ways to do this is to spread out the feeding over 3 times a day. Also, try to slow down their eating so they do not inhale it, I like to cut a baseball in half and bolt it to the inside of the dish. This makes the dog take more time to try and get the food out. Also, avoid any strenuous exercise for at least an hour after eating, two would be preferred.

If you suspect your dog has bloat, the best thing to do is take them to the vet immediately. I would suggest calling ahead to allow the staff ample time to prepare. I know what it is like to take a dog in for emergency surgery, but the best thing you can do is to stay in the waiting room so that the vet and his/her assistants are able to work quickly and effectively. Someone will come out shortly to give you a status update.

Recap, large breed dogs that have a deep and narrow chest structure are mostly affected. Spread out feedings and try to slow eating and drinking habits. Let the dog rest for a couple of hours before resuming play. If something happens, call the vet immediately.

Has anyone ever had to deal with this situation first hand? If so, please share your story and let others know what to expect.

There are many  different types of pet foods on the market. There are foods that are high in fat and low in protein, some that have glucosamine for joint health, and some that help with hairball maintenance. Depending on what your pet needs, there is a food designed especially for them.

If you are looking to increase the shine on a coat, look for a food that is high in Omega-3’s. These will also help with skin and nail health and even kidney function. If your pet is older, get something with glucosamine. As far as active dogs, a higher protein diet will provide them the energy that they need in order to sustain their activity level. For bigger dogs, an equal balance of fat and protein, I have found, tends to be the best.

Hairball reduction is big in cat foods, and especially important for cats with long hair. This helps their body digest the hair so that it doesn’t come back up the wrong way. You can get the same type of results if you are looking for organic food. For instance, a food that has cranberries is great for kidney function and anything with fish is usually high in omega-3’s.

Look at your pet’s needs before purchasing food to figure out what the needs are. If you still have any questions, make sure you talk to your vet. Also, remember that if you are changing food, do it gradually as to not upset your pet’s stomach. The best way to do this is to break it into quarters. For example, the first 2 days, mix 75% of original food with 25% of the new food. The next two days, go 50-50. For two days after that, make it 25% of the old and 75% of the new. Then you can start the new food by itself. If your pet seems to have serious bathroom issues, back down the amount of new food and gradually increase it again.

Have you just changed foods? What type of pet do you have and what needs did you address?

While the holiday season is filled with joy and fun, they are also a prime time for disaster to strike. There are a few things to consider if you are hosting a holiday get-together this year, especially if you have pets. Making sure you and your pets make it through the holiday season safe and sound is one of the biggest accomplishments you can boast about the day after, that and that amazing green bean casserole you made from scratch.

If you have a medium to large dog, please make sure they do not go table surfing, especially during the actual dinner. It is a great way for them to get sick, not to mention who wants to eat that amazing green bean casserole if it has a paw print in the middle of it. When dogs, and some cats for that matter, table surf, they tend to over eat big time. The result, you will have to clean up more than the initial mess they made. While food is out, let the pets outside to stretch their legs if you have a fenced in backyard. If not, put them in another room with a toy and a few treats of their own.

Turkey bones, or any avian (bird) bones for that matter are bad news when it comes to pets. The reason being, bird bones are lighter than others as they have tiny air pockets in them to help the bird fly. These bones don’t just break like a stick would, they fracture and shatter into tiny pieces. These small pieces can cause a choking hazard to cats as well as lodge themselves in digestive tracts and can wreak havoc on internal organs.

With the flow of guests this season, the door will open and shut enough times to heat the entire neighborhood. It is important to make sure you have a good eye on your pets as friends and family come and go. The last thing you would want on a Thanksgiving is to have to look for your pet because they just so happened to slip out when someone had the door open.

Along with the opening and closing of the door, you have to account for the number of people you will have at your place. Before inviting your friends, family, neighbors, home-owners association members, city council, and your long lost cousin’s father’s monkey, ask yourself how many people your pet has been around at any given time. If the answer is only 3 then you might want to scale back your festivities or find some way to keep your pet away from all the new people. When scared or anxious, pets sometimes lash out or try to get out. Neither of which would make for a good party vibe.

Most importantly, be conscious about your pet(s) and their behavior. If necessary, take them into a quite and dark room so they can calm down and relax a bit and when you do so, make it a point to let your guests know not to go in the designated room. Everyone will have a much better time if these things are considered.

If you are like me, your pet is a member of your family and there is no getting around the holidays without gifts for them. Today I am going to give you my top picks for cats and dogs. I guarantee that your four-legged family member will love these special gifts.

Dogs:

1. Kong Puppy Flyer - Puppies have a ton of energy, but they also have razor sharp teeth. What better to play with than a gift that will make them run, but is also indestructible to those little balls of fur. This gift will exercise all of the family and makes for a great time, especially when they catch it a time or two.

2. Aspen Leather & Floss - What dog doesn’t enjoy a good game of tug-o-war? I know my dogs love it. With this leather and rope toy they get to pull you around while helping their teeth. The leather makes for an easy grip (important for puppies and senior dogs) while the rope part gets those hard to reach places between their teeth. Have you ever tried to floss a dog’s teeth without one? I wouldn’t recommend it.

3. Eco Bones - For the environmentally conscious dog, these bones are soft and squeaky, plus they are made of eco-friendly materials so no worries when they get lost or better yet, torn to shreds. Great for low energy dogs who just like to sit around.

4. Powzer Flash ‘N Dash Ball - Tons of fun for the dog on the go. These balls come in an assortment of colors. When they hit the ground they flash for 25 seconds. Great for night games of fetch or the human that comes home after dusk. They also make good markers if you walk your dog at night so cars can see you. Perfect for winter boredom when stuck in the house.

5. Peanut Butter Bone - This is my Great Dane’s favorite. Take a hollow bone, fill it with peanut butter and put it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Your pup will go nuts trying to get the peanut butter out of the middle. It also works their jaw muscles (an important thing for dogs who love to chew) so they are less likely to go after a shoe or furniture.

Cats:

1. Eco Fish for Cat - Perfect little play toy for your kitten. They will roll around for hours, pouncing, clawing and biting these little fishies. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the messy clean up as with real fish, nor that old fish smell. Sounds like a win-win to me.

2. Kitty Lure Caster - This is fun on a stick. If you enjoy interacting with your cat, this will be a blast for the both of you. You can lure and move the dangling toy and watch your cat jump and flip for joy.

3. Good-Time Gecko - A rather large, 6″ toy filled with organic catnip. Your cat will flip out over this toy, guaranteed. Plus, it is large enough that they won’t be able to hide it from you or stash it away without your knowing. Those cats can be sneaky, sneaky sometimes.

4. Kitty Hoots Big Mama’s Scratch-O-Rama Scratchy Mat - Long name, amazing results. For the cat with claws, give them something to scratch other than the drapes or the carpet. This mat is filled with catnip and will provide hours of entertainment. They will roll on the mat, scratch the mat, and probably even fall asleep on the mat out of sheer exhaustion.

5. Laser Pointer - Some think that this is a cruel toy, but it can be a lot of fun if you are not cruel with it. My cat loves this as it simulates the hunting experience. It is fun to see them crouch down, wiggle their hind end, then pounce only to have the little dot move away. Then they go running after it like a lioness chasing a gazelle. Great for those cold winter weekends when no other cats want to come out and play.

There you have it, my top 5 toys for cats and dogs. Get them something nice this holiday season, wrap it up and put it under the tree. Don’t let them peek though, I already said those cats can be sneaky creatures. Enjoy!

To all of the new readers, as well as the older ones, welcome to the new installment of the ePetDrugs blog. I will be your new host. Let me tell you a little about me.

My name is Sal and I was born and raised in Louisiana. I spent 2 years as an understudy at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to become a Vet Tech. I moved to South Carolina in 2003 and studied for another year and a half at the Dorchester Vet Hospital working mostly with dogs and cats. I also have an invisible sign on my front yard that only stray animals can see. It constantly flashes, in bright neon lights, “SUCKER LIVES HERE!” That being said, I have had every sort of animal from Great Dane to Sugar Glider and many in between.

I am looking forward to answering any questions you might have but let me preface with the fact that I am not a licensed Veterinarian, so I might refer you to such if the questions get too detailed. I can provide you with my opinion, but I do not claim to know everything about animals and some things will need to be seen by a licensed Vet.

I would like to start an Ask ePetDrugs column on Fridays where I will field any simple questions you might have. The email for this will be askepetdrugs(AT)gmail.com. If you have any questions on which toys are best suited for Chihuahua’s to how do I clip the nails on my German Sheppard, feel free to email us and we will field those as they come in.

Tomorrow we will do a toy review for all of you who are braving the traffic and lines to get those special holiday gifts for your furry loved ones. As always, feel free to leave comments downstairs and introduce yourself so that we can get to know each other a little more (don’t forget to introduce that little one of yours too, they are also important to get to know). Until then, find a tummy to scratch and a ball to throw. We’ll see you back here tomorrow.

Jodi Webb

The idea that we don’t have to bath cats as often as dogs is a plus. Of course that’s offset by that yucky little problem—the hairball. Instead of arguing with your family about whose turn it is to clean up the hairballs invest your energy in preventing them with a few simple steps.

1. Groom your cat daily, especially if you have a long haired cat. Sure they groom themselves but look where it gets you—on your hands and knees cleaning up gunk. Invest in a good brush and spend a few minutes slowly brushing in the direction of the hair (from head to tail)
2. Keep your cat entertained either by playing with him or providing lots of intriguing toys. If bored, cats will often spend their free time grooming. Extra grooming means extra hair in their system and often, hairballs.
3. If you can’t seem to get rid of the hairballs maybe your cat’s system just doesn’t process the fur effectively. Try a diet supplement that lubricates your cat’s system and makes it easier for the hair to pass. Because these hairball treatments come in a variety of flavors, your cat will happily accept them.

Pet Supplies - Pet Meds

Jodi Webb

We all want to start to exercise—we’re bombarded with news that even a little exercise can have a big effect on your health.  So why don’t we?  Well, so many times it’s just easier not to.  There are so many excuses: too cold, too tired, too busy.  That’s where the exercise buddy ploy works.  When you know someone is going to be waiting for you at the local walking trail you’re more likely to go.  Say hello to good guilt!  But what if you can’t find a reliable exercise buddy?

In Independence County, Arkansas that’s no problem.  According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, The Humane Society of Independence County recently started a Dog Walk Club.  Volunteers from the shelter and a bevy of eager dogs travel to a local park where they meet up with their human ‘exercise buddies’.  Who could skip their exercise when they know there’s a furry friend waiting at the park, straining at the leash?

Don’t worry if your local shelter doesn’t have an official program in place—create your own.  Ask your shelter if they need volunteer dog walkers(they’ll say yes).  But don’t leave it up in the air—commit to a certain time each week.  Knowing that the shelter volunteers will be watching for you every Wednesday at 5:30 makes you more likely to show up.  Exercise for you, fun for your exercise buddy, and the unconditional love of dozens of shelter dogs.

Discount Pet Meds and Pet Supplies