 Meet Roscoe! Roscoe is my imaginary Bernese Mountain Dog (I -author Alex - don’t have enough space for a real one), and for 100 lbs of dog, he’s an awfully big scaredy cat! Roscoe hates nail trims- any time he sees a clipper come near him, he’s suddenly howling and hollering and hiding under the couch. I don’t want to take Roscoe to the vet every time he needs a simple trim, and I don’t think my poor buddy enjoys being so scared all the time, either. So what can I do to help him? Desensitization and counter conditioning are two behavioral techniques that can help even the most reactive pets face their fears in a safe, controlled, productive environment. Today we’re going to learn more about these principles, and use them to come up with a plan to help my friend Roscoe courageously conquer his phobia of nail trims! (Of course, unlike your pets, Roscoe isn’t real. That’s why the method we talk about here can be applied universally, to help your own pet face whatever fears they may have. As we go along, think about how you can adapt Roscoe’s plan for your own use!)  Step 1: Identifying Stimuli First things first, it’s important to identify exactly what causes Roscoe to react; this is called a stimulus or a trigger. A lot of scary situations consist of multiple stimuli blurred together. Instead of listing “nail trims” as Roscoe’s stimulus, let’s try to get more specific- Does the sight of the nail clippers frighten Roscoe? What about their clicky-clacky sound? Is Roscoe always afraid of the nail clippers, or only when a person is actively holding them? Try to get specific, and pay close attention to which stimuli produce the strongest responses, as we’ll need this info in our next step!  Step 2: Ordering Stimuli Through our work in Step 1, we’ve discovered that Roscoe doesn’t react to all stimuli equally! He starts to get nervous if a person approaches him while holding the nail clippers, but if they’re left on the table in the same room as him he’ll simply ignore them. However, we also discovered that Roscoe hates the clicking sound of the clippers, and will jump from zero to one-hundred as soon as he hears it. Ranking Roscoe’s stimuli from least to most likely to produce a reaction, we would say:
Step 3: Desensitization Desensitization refers to the process of carefully and gradually exposing a pet to a stimulus that produces an unwanted response, until your pet no longer produces this response in the presence of the stimuli. In Step 2 we identified the different stimuli that produce a reaction in Roscoe, such as the sight and sound of our nail clippers. Now it’s time for Roscoe to start facing them! To be most effective, desensitization should start with a low intensity of the most well-tolerated stimulus, then gradually work upward. In our example, “Sight of nail clippers” is our starting stimulus, and we know Roscoe already tolerates this well! Roscoe is used to seeing the nail clippers from a distance (for instance, left on a living room table fifteen feet from his favorite napping spot), so we can increase the intensity of this stimulus by leaving the nail clippers on an end table ten feet away, or on the opposite side of the couch five feet away. We should avoid picking the nail clippers up and carrying them towards Roscoe, as this overlaps with our second stimulus; in order to control the intensity of Stimulus 1 only, the nail clippers should be moved to a new location when Roscoe is not present to see. Once Roscoe can see and be close to the nail clippers without exhibiting fear, discomfort, or anxiety, we can move onto our next stimulus! We’ll repeat the process from the top, beginning our next stimulus at a low intensity and working upward again.  Step 4: Counterconditioning Sometimes, desensitization alone isn’t enough. In these situations, we can rely on a second tool called counterconditioning: the process of pairing a negative stimulus with a positive stimulus (like getting a treat or playing with a favorite toy), to gradually form an association between something scary and something pleasurable. Roscoe is very food-motivated, so we’ll use treats as our reward. We want a very high-value treat to offset the negative stimulus, and since we’ll be giving these treats frequently, they should be small enough to leave Roscoe wanting more. We’ll use very small cubes of cheddar cheese. It’s important that whatever negative stimulus Roscoe is experiencing is still mild enough that a cube of cheese can outweigh it; if I run at Roscoe with cheddar in one hand and clippers in the other, he’ll be too freaked out to enjoy his supposed reward. Instead, we’ll start when Roscoe is simply in the same room as the nail clippers, at a distance where he’s exhibiting little to no reaction. From here we can gradually increase the intensity of the stimulus the same way we did in Step 3. The goal of counterconditioning is that, when exposed to a stimulus (nail clippers), Roscoe’s existing response (fear) will eventually change to a new response (excitement over treat). We can observe this in Roscoe’s reactions; not only will Roscoe gradually stop showing a fear response, but eventually he’ll even look towards us expectantly whenever he sees the nail clippers. This indicates that the old association (nail clippers > fear) has been replaced with a new association (nail clippers > excitement over treat), and Roscoe is ready to move up to the next intensity or stimulus!  Step 5: Relax and Repeat!
Behavioral modification is a slow and steady process. Depending on the severity of your pet’s emotional response, and the length of time that response has existed, a desensitization and counterconditioning plan can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months. It can be tempting to rush the process, but don’t give in! Forcing a pet to continue a session when they are already uncomfortable can set your progress backwards, leaving your pet more sensitive to a stimulus than they originally were. If your pet begins showing signs of stress or discomfort, give them a break or end your session early, and always try to end a session on a positive note. Desensitization and counterconditioning sessions are most effective if done daily, so you’ll have another chance soon! It’s also worth acknowledging that desensitization and counterconditioning routines are just one tool in the larger behavioral puzzle. Your pet might additionally benefit from professional training, consultations with a behaviorist, or behavioral medications. These steps are a normal part of many pets’ care routines, and aren’t an indication that your pet is “poorly-trained,” or that the above methods weren’t used properly. If your pet experiences negative emotional reactions that you think might benefit from a professional eye, give us a call! We’ll be happy to help you put a plan in motion. Now if you’ll excuse me, Roscoe has some nails that need trimming. Where’d I leave the cheese?  February has been a busy month! Between Valentine’s Day, school vacation week, and the Super Bowl, you might have missed our favorite happening - its National Pet Dental Health Month, all month long!  Dental Disease - What is it, who’s got it? Over 80% of dogs over the age of three have some form of dental disease, as do over 50% of cats over the age of four. Sounds scary… But what does that actually mean? While humans mainly worry about cavities and tooth decay, animals suffer from a different host of dental problems. Cats and dogs alike are prone to periodontal disease; that is, infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth, referred to as the periodontium. Periodontal disease is primarily caused by plaque, a slimy film that is “laid down by bacteria on the surface of the tooth, above and below the gum line.” From here the infection spreads into the tooth socket, and can damage bone and cause the loss of teeth. Between 20% and 60% of cats also experience some degree of tooth resorption, a condition in which one or several teeth gradually and spontaneously break down. We’d love to talk more about why this very bizarre thing happens, but we actually don’t know! Vets have a few theories, but none are confirmed. Cats are full of mystery, and their teeth are no exception. Brushing Off Concerns Dental disease sounds scary, and it’s a simple reality that nearly every pet will experience some degree of dental disease at some point in their life. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do at home to help prevent dental disease, too! You can begin taking care of your pet’s teeth the same way you take care of your own: brushing those pearly whites. Dogs and cats alike benefit from having their teeth brushed, and with a proper routine you can help pets tolerate or even enjoy daily brushings. Start by getting your pet used to having their teeth and gums touched, and then introduce a toothbrush and toothpaste, gradually working up to longer brushing sessions. Be sure to use veterinary-approved brushes and toothpaste, as many human toothpastes in particular have ingredients that are toxic to pets! In addition to brushing, or if your pet makes brushing a challenge, there are other commercially available products that can help prevent or slow the buildup of plaque. Water additives, dental wipes, and dental chews or diets may all have a place in your pet’s complete dental care picture; as a guideline, the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval can help you identify reputable products. It’s also important to ensure any toys you give are safe for your pet’s teeth. Our friends at Veterinary Dental Services in Boxborough discourage giving any toy or treat that can’t be bent or indented with your fingernail, as these are hard enough to potentially break teeth. In fact, Vet Dental has put together an entire helpful handout, outlining which toys are tooth-safe and which are a dental no-go. Check it out!  Diagnosing Doggy Breath While dental disease often requires a veterinary exam to detect or confirm, there are other symptoms you may notice at home. Terrible doggy breath might feel normal at times, but it shouldn’t! Alongside bad breath, dental disease also presents as loose or discolored teeth, decreased appetite, difficulty chewing or eating, and swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity around the mouth. At annual exams your veterinarian will also assess your pet’s teeth for signs or symptoms of dental disease, but there’s a limit to how much can be detected this way. For that reason, if dental disease is suspected, your veterinarian may recommend an anesthetic dental cleaning. Dental Cleanings and Extractions Humans have dental cleanings once or twice a year, and even get extractions without the need for general anesthesia. So why do pets need to be put under, just for a scale and polish? The main answer is that, unlike your pet, you understand why the dentist is poking around and pulling teeth. You may not be enthusiastic about the process, but you cooperate and allow it to happen. The same can’t be said for our pets, who are often already distressed or in pain at the time of a dental procedure. Putting a pet under anesthesia allows the attending veterinarian to more thoroughly examine and clean the entire mouth, including areas under the gum line, which can’t be checked on a standard physical exam. At the time of a dental procedure, our veterinarians will also take radiographs (x-rays) to get a more complete picture of your pet’s dental health. These radiographs can help to detect problems that are difficult or impossible to detect with the naked eye, and can provide more information as to where and when these dental extractions might be necessary. Pets need to be very still for this process, so it is once again difficult or impossible without anesthesia. After a dental procedure, your pet may be a little wobbly from anesthesia, and should be monitored for the next 24 hours to the extent possible. You may see a small amount of blood in your pet’s food or water dish, but this is a normal part of recovery and is nothing to be concerned about. If your pet had any dental extractions, you should feed wet food or softened kibble and restrict access to hard toys for 14 days. Owners sometimes worry that their pets will have difficulty eating after dental extractions, but the opposite is true: with those wiggly, painful teeth out of the way, your pet will eat better than ever!  Let’s Talk Teeth!
If there’s one thing to take away from this article, it’s that your pet will experience dental disease at some point in their life. Fortunately, you’re now well-equipped to face those problems as they come! Hopefully learning about dental disease will make it less scary when you do have to deal with it, and practicing the preventative measures outlined above can help you ensure that day doesn’t come any time soon, either. Of course, there are only so many questions we can answer in a blog. If you have questions we haven’t answered here, are worried your pet is showing signs of dental disease, or want to schedule a dental cleaning, reach out! We’d love to help you see your pet’s best smile.  Can you believe it’s already 2025? It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new millennium, and now we’re nearly a quarter-century in. Twenty-five years ago we were hand-writing records in an old farmhouse, and now we’ve got new computers, new owners, a new building, and most importantly, lots and lots of new pets to see! With how fast the world changes, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and developments in pet care. That’s why we’re taking this chance to look forward to 2025: what sorts of pet care trends are we expecting to see in the new year, and do these trends live up to their own hype? If you’ve heard the buzz around raw diets, fitness wearables, alternative preventatives, or anything else trendy and new, read on!  New Year, New Meal Carefully regulating what we eat has long been understood as an important piece of our own health, so it makes sense that pet owners are turning a more critical eye towards their pets’ nutrition as well. With so many pet foods on the market, and more and more discussion around whether store bought foods are even best for our pets, it can be hard to know if you’re making the right choice. Raw diets have seen a recent surge in popularity; these diets focus on ingredients such as muscle and organ meats, bones, fruits, vegetables, and raw eggs, thought to be more in line with how dogs dined before they were domesticated. Advocates for the raw diet tout benefits such as shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and higher energy levels, but the experts aren’t so sure. An FDA study found raw pet food is more likely to be contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria compared to other pet foods, while the American Veterinary Medical Association bluntly “discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein to dogs and cats because of their risk to human and animal health.” Even as we were writing this article, an Oregon-based raw food manufacturer issued a recall after contaminated food was confirmed to have resulted in a cat contracting H5N1 and dying. Grain-free diets have also gained popularity, for many of the same reasons as raw diets. Marketing would have pet owners believe grain-free diets are “more natural” and more in line with dogs’ evolutionary diets, and that this translates to health benefits over standard foods, but once again the jury is out. The FDA has an ongoing investigation into the link between grain-free diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy, particularly in breeds not genetically predisposed to this condition. The initial promise behind grain-free diets may also be faulty; while many of these diets seek to eliminate nutritional “fillers” (ingredients designed to bulk out food without adding nutritional value), many fillers actually contain necessary fiber to maintain intestinal health. Diets seeking to remove these fillers without compensation won’t be nutritionally balanced. Concord Animal Hospital has long pointed our clients towards veterinarian formulated brands such as Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and Hill’s Science Diet, as these brands invest heavily into research and development, and formulate foods to address specific health concerns, breed or age issues, dietary sensitivities, and so forth. Alternative diets can have a place in managing a pet’s health, but the one-size-fits-all approach touted by the manufacturers of raw, grain-free, and other boutique diets is often driven by the marketing machine, rather than an authentic concern for pet wellbeing. Finding the correct diet for your pet can take time, effort, and uncertainty, and it would be so much easier for pet owners if someone invented a miracle food fit for any pet. Food manufacturers know this- it’s why they’re all so eager to convince you they have.  Too Fit To Quit Dogs need exercise. Some breeds more than others, but any Border Collie or Australian Shepherd owner will tell you their dog doesn’t let them skip leg day. For a long time our view of canine fitness has been limited to walking, running, and the vigorous game of fetch. But in recent years, our whole concept of getting fit with your pet has expanded! Perhaps the biggest change has come in viewing pet fitness not as an extra chore to fit into our schedules, but as a part of our own fitness journeys. According to Colorado State University, this link goes both ways; your own physical activity can impact the activity and fitness of those around you (pets included!), while working out with a pet also makes owners more likely to stick with their own fitness goals and routines. Nearly any exercise you can imagine can be tailored to include your pet, from swimming and circuit training to dog yoga or canine crossfit! If having a structured routine helps you stay consistent, as it does for many, you may even be able to find hybrid canine-human fitness classes in your area. Just like with our own workouts, it’s important to pick activities that are a proper match for your pet and your fitness goals. Healthy adult dogs with decent stamina may enjoy long hikes in the woods, while more energetic dogs might prefer the frenetic bursts of action you find in circuit or agility training. Fitness wearables like fitbits and smart watches are another trend that have exploded for human use over the past decade, so it’s no surprise they’re picking up steam in the pet sphere as well. These devices boast a whole suite of data and monitoring tools, from step tracking and calorie burn to heart rate, body temperature, and behavioral irregularities that could indicate a health concern. Sounds pretty great! …Right? The promise of having this information at your fingertips can be enticing, especially for anxious pet parents, but it’s worth asking if all these data points are actually necessary. In our research we found plenty of tech journalists and gadget reviewers debating the reliability and performance of these devices, but we didn’t find a single veterinarian advocating for why you should own one in the first place. Wearable devices could have a place in monitoring specific metrics for pets with certain health conditions (and they already do, if you count devices like glucose monitors!), but if you’re simply worried about monitoring your pet’s activity levels, diet, or general health, the good, old fashioned methods should serve you just fine.  Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is a broad phrase; it can be hard to define what counts as medicine, and which of those medicines are then alternative. Some treatments we offer here at Concord Animal Hospital are considered to be alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, while other times alternative medicine is used to describe products or treatments that haven’t been adequately tested or researched, and haven’t undergone FDA or EPA approval. Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives have been at the forefront of the alternative veterinary medicine trend, thanks to their cost, frequency of use, and complex ingredient lists. By comparison, inexpensive all-natural remedies such as garlic, tea tree oil, or boric acid can sound appealing… But do they actually work? In short, no. Store-bought “all natural” preventatives are typically a blend of alleged home remedies that can be harmful or outright toxic to dogs, and even the ones that won’t harm your pet are unlikely to offer real benefit. While some of these remedies can be successful in controlling sections of parasite populations, many only work against specific life stages such as larva or adults, meaning they won’t thoroughly eradicate a population. The prognosis is even worse for natural heartworm preventatives- because according to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), there are none. The AHS states that, while there are natural means of reducing exposure, “there’s no such thing as a ‘natural’ heartworm preventative.” The safest and most effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventions are, as is the case with most treatments, specially formulated prescription medications, designed for their exact purpose. These medications are carefully developed to ensure efficacy without adverse findings, and are tested at quantities higher than the recommended dosage to ensure safety. Additionally, use of prescription medications allows a veterinarian familiar with your pet to ensure a given medication is right for a given patient, factoring in histories and side effects in a way that can’t be monitored with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. Behind the Trends Being a pet owner is hard. New information comes out every day on what’s best for our pets, and it can feel impossible to sort through what’s reputable and what’s not. In researching trends for this blog we found all sorts of reports, analytics, and projections from marketing firms who generally cared about two things: where you spent your money last year, and where you’ll spend it this year. These “trends” are supported by sales figures and dollar signs rather than medical research, and they start from the conclusion that you should spend more money, before working backwards to justify this. Many of these trends capitalize on the anxieties of caring, well-meaning pet parents (Is my dog getting enough exercise? Are the foods I’m feeding them healthy? Are these medications safe?), because an anxious pet parent is more likely to buy something than a reassured pet parent. So let us take a moment to say… You’re doing amazing. Your pet loves you, you love them, and that love isn’t measured in the money you spend. You’ve taken care of them every day since they’ve joined your family, and you’ll continue to do so, this year and for many more to come. Listen to the advice of veterinarians and the slow-and-steady pace of veterinary research, but don’t let anyone frighten you into buying their solution to a manufactured problem. Hopefully this blog can give you some peace of mind in 2025, but if you do have worries, give us a call! At the end of the day, no new trend compares to speaking with an expert who knows your pet’s unique health and history. Have faith in your own pet-parenting ability this year, and to pets and people everywhere… Happy New Year!  If you’ve turned on the news recently, chances are you’ve heard talk about bird flu. Also known as avian flu (and sometimes referred to by the strain H5N1), bird flu is a strain of the influenza virus found primarily in birds. Human cases are rare, but present as fever, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal upset, and conjunctivitis. At this time, cases in domestic animals are extremely limited.  The Current State The H5N1 virus has existed for several decades now, but has come and gone from relevance based on the number of observed cases and the concern for cross-species transmission. The CDC is monitoring the spread of bird flu in the United States, and classifies the current public health risk as “low.” The vast majority of human cases have come from agricultural employees working in close proximity to infected cattle or poultry, while the CDC reports no known person-to-person spread at this time. At present there have been two confirmed cases of bird flu in cats in the United States. There are no known cases of bird flu in dogs at the time of writing. Concerns for Progression While the CDC reports a low current public health risk, a major point of concern comes from the ability of viruses to mutate rapidly, giving rise to new strains with new characteristics. While bird flu poses minimal threat to humans and pets in its current form, the American Veterinary Medical Association cites concerns that “H5N1 will eventually mutate into a lethal strain capable of human-to-human transmission.” Because of the rapid pace of developments, it’s good to frequently update yourself through a reliable source such as the CDC’s Bird Flu Situation Summary.  What You Can Do
At present the risk to you and your pets is low, but especially with concerns around mutation, there are common-sense steps you can take to reduce this risk further. Bird flu has only been found in two domestic animals thus far; both were cats who were fed raw diets in opposition to the advice of veterinarians and public health officials. The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with living or dead wild birds, bird feces, or potentially infected stagnant water such as ponds, puddles, and bird baths. If you visit any especially high-risk locations such as farms (relevant in our area!), the AVMA also recommends cleaning and disinfecting clothes, shoes, and hands before interacting with your pets. In summary… Practice common sense. Don’t touch wild or dead birds, and don’t let your pet eat them. Don’t feed your pets unpasteurized animal proteins. If you believe you’ve been in contact with any surface that may be infected, thoroughly wash your hands and disinfect any affected clothing. It’s natural to worry about your pets, and after 2020 it’s hard not to brace for the worst any time we hear about a new virus or a new strain. Right now the risk of you or your pets contracting bird flu is very low, and our team is closely monitoring the updates to know if and when that may change.  Mark your calendars! Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday parties, New Year celebrations, and more are on the horizon; if you tend to play host, you’ll soon have guests galore to help warm your home in these colder months. Hopefully you’re excited about that, although we all know hosting can be stressful- and doubly so if you have pets in the house! Fortunately we’re here with the holiday cheer, as well as some advice for managing guests and gatherings in a way that’s safe and festive for all. Read on to learn about toxic foods, managing pet stress around guests, safely decorating your home for the holidays, and more!  Common Food Toxins A tasty dinner or hearty spread is the key to any good party, but pet owners also know how chaotic mealtimes can get. Many holiday foods contain ingredients that are harmful or toxic to pets, such as turkey trimmings, garlic, raisins, and chocolate. In fact, food dangers are such a common issue this time of year, we have a whole separate article dedicated to them! These dangers may be old news to pet owners themselves, but a lot of your guests won’t know the rules as well as you do. Make it explicit to all guests that they shouldn’t feed pets any human foods or table scraps, and consider leaving pet-safe treats or kibble out so your guests have an approved way to feed the animals. Note that doing so will probably mean your pet gets fed a lot more than usual during the party; while they’re sure to be thrilled, you might consider feeding a smaller breakfast or dinner before or after the party to balance this. Human Guests Hopefully you’re excited to see your guests, though we all know how family can be. One way or another, even the most sociable pets may be put off by all these strangers in their home. Consider setting up a safe room inside your house, filled with all your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, and their bed, and make this room off-limits to party guests. Your pet can hide here when they get overwhelmed, and you can also confine your pet here as guests arrive or leave, to prevent anxious pets from making a break for the open front door. If you want your dog to be a social butterfly at parties, you can start training them early to get them used to strangers in their home. Additionally, be aware that even dogs who usually do well with strangers may be especially territorial or reactive when inside their own home - they have to keep you safe from these intruders, after all! Similarly, even dogs who usually love attention may become overwhelmed if they’re the center of it for too long, so keep a close eye on your pet to watch for signs of stress or discomfort. If they look like they need a break, take them to their safe room and let them have one!  Animal Guests If you’re hosting a party that will include any four-legged RSVPs, you’ll want to take extra steps to make sure your own pets get along with these newcomers. If you’re trying to introduce two dogs, an ideal method involves walking the two dogs in neutral areas such as parks or streets, keeping them parallel and separated at a distance of about thirty feet; this process may need to be repeated multiple times to form a positive relationship. Similar to above, these introductions can be good preparation to do ahead of time, so your dogs are already eager and excited to see each other when the party rolls around! If these early introductions aren’t possible, maybe because a friend or family member is traveling with their dog from out of town, you can also use a similar method to introduce two dogs outside on a lawn or driveway. Get them acquainted outside the house, then keep them on-leash when you bring them inside, and be ready to separate them if the need arises. Doggy Décor Any good party has to have the perfect atmosphere, and decorations go a long way towards this. But if you have pets in your home, or will around the holidays, all your favorite decorations can quickly turn into a messy, four-legged playground. A simple rule to prevent this is to keep decorations out of reach; hang all your leaves, garlands, lights, and other holiday trappings high enough that pets won’t be able to swat, pounce, or chew. Run wires along high up areas, or run them through PVC or fish tank tubing to protect them against nibbly teeth. When it comes to more natural decorations like garlands and Christmas trees, artificial versions can be preferable, as they lack that outdoorsy smell that can confuse or entice pets. Many plants commonly used to decorate, such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias, are harmful or poisonous to pets if ingested, making them equally great candidates for synthetic lookalikes.  Pet Costumes
If you’ve decorated your whole house and all your guests are bringing their ugliest sweaters, you may want to dress your pet up for the occasion as well! Pet costumes can be a great way to make your pet the star of the show, but they can also be a source of stress or harm. If you’re planning on dressing up your pet, simple is often better. The less bits and pieces, the less likely the costume is to restrict movement or breathing, cause overheating, or end up torn and chewed on. Always be sure your pet can move and breathe freely once in their costume, and watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. If your pet really isn’t having it, downgrade the ugly Christmas sweater to an equally-tacky festive collar. Conclusion The holidays are a stressful time of year, and doubly so if you’re playing host. You should enjoy your party, not spend the whole time worrying your pet got into this or that. Fortunately these precautions are designed to cut out as much of that seasonal stress as possible, so you can focus on your most important host responsibility: spending time with your guests! So give yourself the gift of peace of mind now by running through these steps and precautions ahead of any upcoming gatherings. Of course, even the most perfectly planned parties still have mishaps. If you’re gearing up before a large gathering, you might also be interested in our blog on home remedies, or our emergency resources page. In case your pet does get into something they shouldn’t, starts to act a little odd around a party, or if you just have questions we haven’t answered here, give us a call! And if you’re already calling anyway… Maybe you could invite us in?  Did you know? October 7th-13th is World Pet Obesity Week. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the United States are estimated to be overweight or have obesity. Meanwhile, only 17% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners recognize their pets as overweight. This discrepancy is alarming, especially since obesity is entirely preventable once you know it’s there! To learn more about pet obesity, whether or not your pet is in this statistical majority, and what you can do if they are, read on!  Pet Obesity Risks The obvious question many pet owners may ask is… What’s the big deal with pet obesity? Does it really matter if your pup is packing a few extra pounds? Unfortunately, yes. While it is possible for pets to be healthy at different weights, there are well-documented links between obesity and a number of other health conditions. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that dogs with obesity are at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and high blood pressure, and that obesity can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by nearly two years. The science hasn’t been studied quite as in-depth with cats, but we still have every reason to believe the effects are similar. Causes of Obesity What causes obesity? You may already be jumping up to answer: too much food, too little exercise! While these are the major contributing factors, there are other risk factors you may not be aware of. Metabolism is another big component; that is, how quickly and efficiently a pet’s body breaks down the food they’re given. Older dogs, female dogs, and neutered male dogs all tend to have lower metabolisms, which puts them at a higher risk for obesity. Certain breeds are also at a higher risk, such as many terrier breeds, spaniels, dachshunds, beagles, and labrador retrievers. Dogs with mobility issues such as osteoarthritis are also predisposed, since they’re likely to be less active in their day to day lives.  Recognizing Obesity Your veterinarian can always help you assess whether your pet is overweight or has obesity, but there are simple ways to check at home as well. For dogs, you can estimate their body fat by feeling along their ribs just behind their front legs. Compare this to the back of your hand; if they feel about the same, your dog has a good body condition! If it feels more like the palm of your hand, your dog may be overweight. Conversely, if your dog’s ribs feel or stick out like knuckles, they may be underweight. You can perform a similar test with cats by attempting to feel their ribs or backbone. For a more visual representation, you can also compare your pet against the Body Condition System chart, designed by Purina and used widely across the veterinary world. Managing Obesity So you’ve discovered your pet is in the over 50% of pets who have obesity. What do you do next? Losing weight is the first step, and dietary changes are a major component of this. However, reducing the quantity you feed your pet with no other adjustments can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian when making these changes, as it may be best to add supplements or change your pet’s food to a weight-loss focused diet. Snacks and treats are also a big dietary culprit, and should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total food intake. This is easier to manage in large dogs, but in especially tiny dogs a single treat can take up that whole allotment! Exercise can be another major component of weight loss, though dogs with severe obesity may need to shed weight through dietary management first before they can safely manage the increased activity necessary for weight loss. To increase activity, increasing the duration and intensity of walks is a good starting point. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “Walking for weight loss is very different than walking for pleasure. You should aim for a daily, brisk, 30-minute walk. With this sort of walking, you should break into a slight sweat within a few minutes.” Once the desired weight has been lost, maintaining weight becomes the important second step. Portion control is key to this step; as tempting as it may be to reward progress with an extra treat or two, or to ease dietary restrictions once your pet is in a healthy weight range, this can end up undoing all your and your pet’s hard work.  Preventing Obesity
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even if your pet is at a healthy weight now, there are simple steps you can take to maintain this healthy weight and stop obesity before it starts. Measuring food portions allows better control than simply eyeballing them, and allows you to ensure you’re not unknowingly overfeeding your pet. Adhering to strict, specific meal times will help your pet stick to a routine and will minimize begging, which reduces the temptation for humans to help them cheat on their diet. Routine weigh-ins can also help with accountability, and will allow you to catch any changes in weight early. Get Fit Together! We can all think of a few ways we could be healthier in our own lives, but starting and sticking to a routine is hard. Fortunately, having a buddy makes it easier! A lot of our tips for helping your pet lose weight- regular meal times, vigorous walks, decreased snacking- are good tips for humans as well. Weight-loss walks can be a great chance to work exercise into our own routines, and solidarity with a dieting pet can be just the thing we need to resist cheating on our own diets (you’re not really going to eat that cookie when Luna can’t have one, are you?). A recent study even suggests that combined dog-human weight loss plans are more effective than either plan individually! Of course, as your veterinarian, we want to be a part of your pet’s health journey as well! If you’re worried about your pet’s weight, need advice on exercise or nutrition, or just want a weigh-in, give us a call! We want to see your pet happy and healthy, and we’re always happy to chat.  Thinking of adopting a new dog? There are plenty of questions to consider, and one question cuts straight to the front of the line: what breed should you get? The American Kennel Club now recognizes 200 different dog breeds, all with their own unique personalities, quirks, needs, and health concerns. You could spend your entire life becoming an expert on just one dog breed, which makes researching and comparing every breed a herculean task. Personal bias will always have a hand in your decision making (it’s okay to play favorites, we won’t tell!), as will living, finance, and family situations. But in favor of these factors, breed health is often overlooked. Every dog breed has their own unique health needs and concerns, and different breeds are more predisposed to different medical issues. Knowing the trends and the health issues associated with certain breeds can help you and your family make more informed decisions and can help you prepare now for eventualities that may not come to pass for many years. If your family is getting excited about a new dog then we know talking about health concerns is a bit of a downer, but you’ll thank yourself later for having these conversations now. And hey, we promise to sprinkle in plenty of cute photos to lighten the mood!  Big Dogs! From the Great Dane to the Saint Bernard to the Greater Dane, there’s no sight quite as majestic as a truly huge dog. Some health concerns are common across most large breeds; carrying around extra weight and size makes these breeds more susceptible to mobility issues such as arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament tears (the dog version of an ACL tear). Large, deep-chested dogs such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes, and Weimaraners are also more at risk for bloat, though this risk can be mitigated via gastropexy, a surgical procedure that fastens the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent twisting. This can even be done laparoscopically at CAH!  Small Dogs! Napoleon Complexes have yet to be recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, but in the meantime there are still plenty of conditions common to smaller dogs. Many small breeds experience higher risks of dental disease and mitral valve disease (a weakening of the valves around the heart), and are also uniquely vulnerable to tracheal collapse, which can inhibit their breathing. Small breeds also have their own mobility issues distinct from large breeds, such as patellar luxation (common in Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and some small terrier breeds), in which the kneecap becomes displaced and causes a “skipping” as the patient walks. Small dog breeds have their own nutritional needs as well, thanks to their smaller stomachs and lower food intake. Because of this it’s easier to end up overfeeding or with a nutritional imbalance (a single treat represents a far greater portion of a Yorkie’s diet than a Great Dane’s), which may be tied to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis in smaller breeds.  Brachycephalic Breeds! Brachycephalic is the medical term for short-nose breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs. These breeds have seen a big surge in popularity thanks to their adorable, smushed-up faces, but irresponsible breeding has made this cute feature into a major health concern. Shortened faces require shortened airways, which in turn can cause breathing issues throughout the dog’s life- so much so, in fact, that the condition is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS can increase the risk and severity of upper respiratory infections, and can also make it harder to exercise a dog and keep them in good shape. In addition to airways, brachycephalic breeds’ shorter faces can also create problems with their eyes. Bracychepallic Ocular Syndrome occurs thanks to shallow eye sockets pushing or bulging a pet’s eyes forward, and can result in eye trauma, eye protrusions, abnormal tear production, and even the inability to fully close the eyelids.  Lightning Round
There are a few breeds and conditions that don’t fit into our other categories, but still warrant a mention. While cancer is unfortunately common in all dogs, it is particularly prevalent in Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. The linked National Canine Cancer Foundation article also contains a table breaking down the most common type of cancer by dog breed. Poodles and doodles don’t shed, which can be great for your carpets, but also means they require grooming more regularly (up to every four weeks) to prevent matting and overheating. Poodles are also at a higher risk of glaucoma. Epilepsy is far more common in dogs than in cats, and is observed most in certain breeds such as Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Border Collies. Shopping and Adopting Responsibly Nothing in veterinary medicine is ever a guarantee; despite being a cancer-prone breed, an individual golden retriever could still live a long cancer-free life, and a French Bulldog could still develop osteoarthritis common in larger breeds. If you’re still interested in one of the breeds we’ve singled out here, don’t despair! Responsible breeders are aware of the same issues we’ve been talking about, and will take steps to screen and eliminate these conditions from their lines wherever possible. For assistance finding a reputable breeder, the Humane Society of the United States has put together a helpful handout featuring questions to ask and points to watch out for. If you’re looking for more information on the prevalence of health conditions across different breeds, Forbes has compiled an article that uses insurance claim information to track the prevalence of numerous health conditions across many breeds. And as always, if you still have unanswered questions about dog breeds, health concerns, or anything else we’ve covered, drop us a line! We’re always happy to chat, and we can’t wait to meet the newest member of your fuzzy family. :)  Traveling internationally with your dog has always been a complicated mess of forms, requirements, and rules. On August 1st, 2024, the CDC passed a new set of regulations for crossing the United States border with your dog that unfortunately makes the process even more complicated (though if we do our job right, not by too much!).  Import vs Export Those of you who have previously traveled internationally with your pets may be familiar with the need for a USDA Endorsed International Health Certificate. These forms are compiled and endorsed by the USDA, and are meant to ensure your pet meets the requirements for entry into your destination country. These are export requirements; they are required for your pet to leave the US in the first place. If you aren’t familiar or need to brush up on export requirements, we covered them in a previous blog! The new CDC requirements are import requirements, meaning they are necessary for your dog (not your cat) to re-enter the United States after traveling internationally. These requirements exist in addition to the current USDA export requirements, meaning you are now responsible for ensuring your dog meets both the export and import requirements prior to travel. Import requirements are split into three categories:
Since this blog is written primarily for our local, US-based clientele, we’ll focus on the first two categories. If you would like to learn more about the Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries you can follow that link to the CDC webpage outlining this information.  Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries This is the easy one! If your dog is returning to the US and has only been in countries deemed by the CDC to be rabies-free or low-risk, all you’ll need is a CDC Dog Import Form. This is a form to be filled out online by you, up to six months before your date of return to the US. There is no fee for processing this form, and you shouldn’t need any assistance from our office to do so (though we’re always here if you run into trouble). Instructions on filling out the form can be found here. To determine whether your dog has exclusively been in low-risk or rabies-free countries, consult the CDC’s list of High Risk Countries for Dog-Rabies. If in the six months prior to your return to the US your dog has only traveled to countries that are NOT listed here, your dog has only been in low-risk or rabies-free countries. If your dog HAS traveled to a listed country in the six months prior to your return to the US, consult the requirements in the next section.  Entry Requirements for US-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries If your dog has traveled to one of the countries on the CDC list of High Risk Countries for Dog-Rabies, there is an additional form required before your dog can return to the US. Dogs returning from high-risk countries will need a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination, which must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (such as CAH’s Dr. Hardie or Dr. Aubert). If your dog had their rabies vaccinations administered at our practice and currently has a microchip and up to date rabies vaccination, this form can be completed by our veterinarians without the need for an appointment, or any further action from you. If your dog does NOT meet these criteria, there may be additional requirements:
NOTICE: Until July 31st 2025, these regulations will be in a transitional period. During this period, a USDA-Endorsed Export Health Certificate may be used in place of a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination. After July 31st 2025, a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination must be used.  Entry Requirements for All Dogs
In addition to the requirements above, there are a few requirements that all dogs entering the US must meet. These aren’t usually a problem, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention them:
Start Preparing Now! With these changes in regulation, there are certain things you can do now that will help down the road, even if you aren’t currently planning to travel. Any rabies vaccinations given before a dog has a microchip or given without recording the dog’s microchip cannot be verified and thus cannot be used for international travel. Whenever your pet receives a rabies vaccination, ask your veterinarian to scan for a microchip and ensure this information is recorded on your dog’s new rabies certificate. If a microchip stops working it can no longer be used for identification purposes, which will also invalidate all previous rabies vaccine history. While this failure is rare, it can and has happened. If your pet already has a microchip, ask your veterinarian to scan it at annual visits or when you first begin thinking about international travel; if it has stopped working, you’ll need at least 28 days to re-chip and re-vaccinate your dog prior to travel. Every country has different requirements for entry. While we can’t know exactly what will be required until you’ve decided where you’re traveling, keeping your pet up to date on all recommended vaccinations and treatments will put you in the best position possible when you do start making arrangements. Lastly, as always, call us early! The sooner you get in touch the sooner we can start getting ducks in a row, and the more likely we’ll be to get everything done in the required time. Give us a call as soon as you start considering international travel, and again the moment you have your travel dates confirmed.  If you've been wondering where to take your axolotl, bearded dragon, or duck for care, we have great news for you. Our sister hospital in Burlington, MA, will soon expand it's services to treat most types of birds, retiles, and some amphibians. Cambridge Street Animal Hospital (CSAH) already treats exotic mammal specials such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and sugar gliders, in addition to dogs and cats. Now, with the addition of Dr. Michelle Guarin, the Burlington team is thrilled to treat even more species. Dr. Guarin will join the CSAH team in June. She has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2011 in a mix of general practice and emergency hospitals, and, most recently, as the Medical Director at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Call 339-234-6007 or visit cambridgestreetanimalhospital.com to learn more about Dr. Guarin and the rest of our friends at Cambridge Street Animal Hospital. Of course, our team in Concord is still here to care for your dogs and cats! If you have any needs or questions, call 978-369-3503 or fill out a contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
 Dogs are intelligent creatures with a love of mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is just as important for them as physical exercise and can make dogs even more tired! Mental enrichment is crucial for our furry friends to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. However, sometimes life’s circumstances don’t allow for as much mental stimulation as we want to offer our dogs. We are gone for stretches of time for work or school. Our dogs have an injury or a recent surgery which restrict their normal, fun routines. Sometimes they just have more energy than we do and we need fresh ideas! We at Concord Animal Hospital have put together seven ways to keep your super smart pup stimulated and challenged. Some call for toys that you can purchase at most pet stores, Amazon, and stores such as TJMaxx, HomeGoods, or Target. Others call for creative use of what you already have at home! Concerned about your dog's health? We're here to help. 
 Dog getting tired of one of these enrichment activities? Rotate and Refresh! Variety is the spice of life, even for dogs! Keep your furry friend on their toes by rotating their toys, puzzles, and enrichment activities regularly. Introducing new challenges and experiences will prevent boredom and ensure that your dog's mind stays sharp. Remember, mental enrichment is not just a luxury for dogs; it's a crucial part of their overall well-being. So, let's get creative, have fun, and unleash the full potential of our canine companions! After all, a happy dog is a healthy dog, both in body and mind.  Many dogs come bounding through our front doors, ready to accept our cuddles and treats and seemingly oblivious to shots and exams. But for others, a trip to the veterinarian can be a nerve-wracking experience. The unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds can trigger stress and anxiety even in pups that are normally laid-back. With a few simple strategies, we can help alleviate their worries and make vet visits a more positive experience for our furry friends! Here are some tips to reduce stress during your dog’s next visit to the vet. What you can do even when you don’t have an appointment:
 One the day of your appointment:
 Not enough? Even with all these careful measures, vet visits are still stressful for some dogs. While some dogs may freeze when they are anxious and allow examination, some become angrier and angrier with each part of the exam. If your veterinarian feels that your pooch is still very anxious, they may recommend administration of calming medications in advance of their next visit. These medications are very safe and can make vet visits less frightening for your dog! By implementing these strategies, we can help reduce stress and anxiety for our dogs during veterinary visits. Remember to be patient and understanding with your furry companion and always prioritize their comfort and well-being. With a little bit of preparation and a whole lot of love, we can make vet visits a positive experience for our canine friends. As always, we are here to help care for your pet and answer your questions. Give us a call at 978-369-3503 or email us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Welcome to the world of pet parenthood, where every tail wag and purr is priceless! While showering your furry friend with love is essential, it's equally important to consider their health and well-being and how you can plan for their care financially. That's where pet insurance comes in – a financial safety net for unexpected vet bills and medical emergencies. In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of pet insurance to help you in your search for the right pet insurance provider and policy. The Basics of Pet Insurance Much like human medical insurance, pet insurance is an insurance policy you can purchase that can help to lessen the overall costs of veterinary bills. If your pet is seen at by a veterinarian for a covered condition, you typically pay the bill and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. There are three common types of plans:
Decoding the Pawlicy Before purchasing any pet insurance policy, you need to do some research so you understand to benefits and drawbacks. When we see pet owners disappointed with their insurance plans, it’s most often because they weren’t aware of what costs would not be covered. Surprises are never good when it comes to insurance, so do your research so you understand what is and isn’t covered by your plan.
A few terms you should know: Deductible: the amount you pay for covered veterinary costs before your insurance plan starts to pay. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you pay the first $500 of covered services. Your insurer will only begin to reimburse you for covered services after you have paid your deductible. Typically the lower the deductible, the higher the cost of the plan. Premium: the amount you pay each month or year to keep your insurance policy active. Premiums vary significantly based on things like your pet’s breed & age, your policy deductible, and the cost of care where you live. Coverage limits: the maximum amount your insurer may pay out for covered claims. If you file a claim with your insurer and the costs exceed your coverage limit, then you may be responsible for any remaining expenses that aren't covered by your insurance. Some insurance policies have coverage limits for the pet for the plan year or a lifetime, some have coverage limits for each of your pet’s conditions. Exclusions: a provision in your policy that eliminates coverage for certain conditions. For example, if your pet has a pre-existing condition, such as allergies, you will not be reimbursed for any allergy-related veterinary costs. Many illness plans don’t cover the cost of the sick or emergency exam fee. These costs also won’t count toward your deductible.  Tailored Tails: What Type of Coverage is Right For You? Once you’ve explored the different types of coverage plans available, think about the plan that works for your furry friend's needs and lifestyle and for your wallet and peace of mind. While we’d love to recommend a plan that will work perfectly for your, we know that everyone’s reasons for getting pet insurance are different! A few questions you should think about when deciding on what type of plan will work best:
Fetching Quotes and Comparisons Now that you have a sense of the type of plan you want, it’s time to fetch some quotes from different pet insurance providers. May pet insurance providers have plan comparison tools on their website, but we typically recommend PetInsuranceReview.com as a great place to start your search. Compare plans available for your pet. Look for the right balance between coverage and cost – after all, you wouldn't want to break the bank on pet insurance treats!  What the Doctor Recommends
At CAH, we don’t recommend any particular provider or plan but we do recommend pet insurance. When your pet cuts himself in the woods and needs surgery in a specialty hospital or is diagnosed with a long-term illness that will require years of medications and care that includes regular bloodwork and vet visits, it’s a good feeling to be able to say, “yes, do it all, I have insurance.” We have one pet patient whose insurance policy has covered over $45,000 worth of veterinary expenses. Would the owner have been able and willing to pay that out-of-pocket? We can’t say, but we are 100% positive that they are glad they purchased an insurance policy! By investing in pet insurance, you’re protecting your pet but also securing peace of mind for yourself. In the worst case, you spent money on a policy you didn’t use – hopefully a policy that was within your budget. In the best, you were able to say “yes” to expensive and extensive life-saving care, care that gave your furry family member additional years of health and happiness. As usual, we’ve done our best to summarize the topic of pet insurance but we may have missed something. If you have any questions, please call us at 978-369-3503 or send us a note.  There is widespread reporting of an infectious respiratory disease among dogs that has turned deadly in rare cases. The disease has been detected in dogs across the country, including in Massachusetts. This disease is considered to be part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). What is CIRDC? CIRDC are diseases caused by several different and often highly contagious bacterial and viral pathogens and include illness such as Bordetella (kennel cough), canine parainfluenza, and canine influenza. CIRDC is endemic in dogs, meaning it’s always present wherever there are dogs. Symptoms of CIRDC include coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, inappetence, and lethargy. Symptoms can last from several days to weeks. What is the canine respiratory disease observed more recently? At the moment we don’t know if this is a new disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), symptoms of this respiratory disease appear to last weeks longer than the typical symptoms of the better-known and very common Bordetella. The disease is generally resistant to standard treatments, such as antibiotics. In very rare cases, dogs develop acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours. Whether we are seeing a new disease in North America or a previously existing but undiagnosed illness is not known. In the chart below, reflecting respiratory related insurance claims submitted to pet insurer Trupanion in Colorado, we certainly see a spike in respiratory claims this fall of 2023. This increase could be the result of other factors, including a growing population of dogs, increased travel and boarding since the COVID pandemic, and delayed vaccinations and reduced socialization since the pandemic.  “What the net result could be is we’ve got more dogs that have a lower level of resistance because they’ve been exposed to other dogs less over the last couple of years, and they’ve had less vaccinations. That means, just with our normal respiratory diseases that are always circulating, we’ll see more spikes in disease cases,” says Dr. Scott Weese, a pathobiology professor at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College and director of the university’s Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses. Dr. Weese also states that the number of severe cases may not indicate a new disease. “When you have more cases, you’ll get more severe disease since a small percentage of dogs with CIRDC get severe disease.”  Keep your dog healthy! Whether this is a new disease or simply a bad season of CIRDC, our advice for keeping your dog safe if the same. Keep your dog up to date on vaccines. The AVMA notes that though the efficacy of existing vaccines against current cases is uncertain, maintaining your dog’s health through routine vaccinations can help support a dog’s immune system in combating disease. If your dog is a patient at CAH, they are likely vaccinated against parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2 (part of the DHPP vaccine series given to almost all of our canine patients). At CAH we typically only recommend Bordetella (kennel cough) if your dog is around other dogs a lot. As a pre-caution, we are recommending more dogs receive the Bordetella vaccine regardless of exposure to other dogs. If you are wondering if your dog should receive this vaccine reach out to us. We also carry a vaccine for canine influenza, but this disease is very sporadic in New England. If we hear reports of this disease in our area, we will begin recommending the vaccine. Some groomers, day cares, and boarding facilities may begin to require this vaccine as a precaution against CIRDC. Reduce your dog’s contact with large numbers of unknown dogs, such as at dog parks and using communal water bowls. Avoid nose-to-nose doggie greetings. At this point, it is not necessary to avoid day cares, boarding, or grooming facilities unless your dog or another dog in the home is immune compromised. The risk of CIRDC is not much greater than it normally is. Consider asking facilities about the vaccines they require and their cleaning protocols. If you aren’t comfortable with the answers, consider your alternatives. Keep your dog away from dogs that appear ill: those exhibiting a runny nose, runny eyes, sneezing, and coughing.  But if they do get sick
Contact us immediately if your dog is experiencing a lingering cough, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, worsening of illness, and a cough that is sufficiently severe that it causes the dog to vomit or makes it hard for the animal to breathe. Reach out early even with mild symptoms, as some cases advance very quickly. Be particularly vigilant if your dog is old, very young, brachycephalic (short nosed or flat faced), immunocompromised, pregnant, or has underlying heart or respiratory disease. While the disease doesn’t respond well to standard treatments, we can offer supportive care to help your dog fight off the infection. If your dog is suffering from a different illness, we can help identify and try to treat. Safety at CAH Worried about bringing your pet to see us at CAH and potentially expose them to this disease? Remember that CIRDC is endemic, so we see CIRDC cases all….the…time. We have protocols in place to prevent transmission of CIRDC and other diseases between our patients. Dogs exhibiting symptoms of diseases including CIRDC are asked to wait for their appointments in their cars instead of the lobby, exam rooms are sanitized between appointments and are disinfected with Lysol after an appointment with a patient suspected to have CIRDC or another highly contagious illness. We don’t see any more risk in bringing in your pet to CAH than there is at any other time! As always, please reach out if you have any questions: [email protected].  The air’s turning cold, the days are growing shorter, and winter is just weeks away. As much as we all love sledding, snowball fights, and warm mugs of hot chocolate, winter also brings with it some unique petcare challenges that aren’t present during the warmer months. Keep your winter more delightful than frightful by following these quick tips for winter weather safety! Frosty Fleas (and Ticks, and Heartworm): If there’s one upside to winter temperatures it’s that all those nasty warm-weather parasites have died off, right? Wrong! Ticks can be active in temperatures as low as 40 degrees, while fleas can get all the way down to 33 degrees. And while New England winters are colder than this on average, it’s not uncommon to end up with a few unseasonably warm days in the middle of the coldest months. If you’re thinking “Wow, what beautiful weather!”, then unfortunately so are those pesky parasites. That’s why we strongly recommend continuing flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round, no matter how cold it is. Wipe those paws: The same salts that prevent us from slipping on icy sidewalks and injuring (or embarrassing) ourselves can be rough on a dog’s paws. Wiping your dog’s paws down after a walk can prevent irritation to their paw pads, and will also keep them from licking off residue that can be harmful or toxic. Depending on how sensitive your dog’s paws tend to be, you can also consider using booties or paw balm to help protect them during your winter outings.
 Mind your mercury: You know, like they used to put in thermometers? Just like humans, dogs and cats can be sensitive to the cold, and can suffer from frostbite or hypothermia. Limit their outdoor time once temperatures hit freezing, and consider putting a sweater on puppies or dogs with short coats. Don’t leave them alone in your car either; a freezing car can be just as dangerous as a hot one! Get ready to get snowed in: There’s a big difference between “Snow day” and “Snow week.” Hope for the best but plan for the worst by making an emergency kit ahead of time, so you’ll be prepared in the case of an extended power outage or a prolonged snow-in. We recommend keeping at least three days of your pets’ food, water, and medication, as well as some special toys and treats to help keep them relaxed while they’re cooped up. And be sure to check out mass.gov’s Winter Storm Safety Tips for general advice about keeping your home and human family members safe as well!  Check your car: The inside of your car’s hood might not sound like a cozy resting place to you, but to your cat a warm, enclosed space like that is prime napping real-estate. Before starting your car make sure any cats in your house are accounted for, and check your hood or make some noise to flush out any feline stowaways.
Chip ice and chip pets: If you’ve sniffed one snowflake, you’ve sniffed them all. A thick blanket of freshly-fallen snow looks beautiful to us, but it can also cover up familiar scents and make it harder for a wandering pet to find their way back home. Prevent your dogs from getting lost by keeping them on a leash during winter walks, and increase your odds of reuniting with a lost dog or cat by microchipping them and giving them a well-fitting collar with up to date contact information. For some additional winter petcare advice, check out our previous blog on the same topic. Now bundle up, light a fire, and let’s make this winter a great one!  Halloween candy and decorations have been back in stores since...well, since late summer. But now it's really almost Halloween! In just a few short weeks your house will become a treasure trove of seasonal snacks and sweets. But while your kids will enjoy digging into their sugary hauls (and you might enjoy sneaking a few pieces for yourself, we won’t tell), Halloween candy can actually prove very scary for your pets! We’ve all heard that chocolate is bad for dogs, but there are plenty of other lesser-known pet toxins that have slapped on a costume and snuck their way into your home. To help keep your pets safe this Halloween season, here’s a list of a few of the biggest dangers to watch out for! 
 So what can I feed my pet? We get it. While it’s important to keep your pet safe, you don’t want them to feel left out on a night like Halloween! If you want your dog to be able to join you in your post-Trick-or-Treat feast you can offer them a few high-value treats. You can make a game out of it with your cat or dog with an interactive food puzzle!
Halloween should be a fun night, and the last place you want to spend it is an emergency room. With all that said stay safe, and Happy Halloween! Deciding when to say goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will eventually have to face. Sometimes these decisions loom on the horizon for a while, while other times they come on suddenly and unexpectedly. No matter how long you have to plan, these choices are never easy. While you are ultimately the only person who can make this decision for your pet, we’re here to support you however we can during the process. In this article we’ll be covering some of the most common questions pet owners have when dealing with end of life planning, offering our perspectives, and linking to resources that can help you navigate these challenges, all in hopes of helping you answer the question every pet owner dreads facing: How do I know when it’s time?  Quality of Life Quality of life is a phrase you hear a lot in these conversations, but what does it actually mean? Quality of life is a broad term used to describe and average a number of factors, such as pain, mobility, hygiene, appetite, and activity. It’s important to note that quality of life is a relative term, and a “good” quality of life will look different for different pets; if you have a lapdog who’s happy cuddling on the couch, low mobility is less detrimental than it would be in a retriever who loves hiking and swimming. Some key quality of life indicators to pay attention to include:
 Measuring QoL Changes in quality of life are often the first thing owners notice, and this may spark other questions or considerations. It can sometimes be hard to tell whether a pet is approaching the end of their life, or whether their symptoms are a temporary low they may recover from. Since this is a deeply emotional topic for any pet owner, it can often be helpful to use tools and outside resources to get a clearer, more objective understanding of your pet’s quality of life:
 Making Arrangements Even once you’ve decided euthanasia is the next step, you’ll likely still have plenty of questions. When should you book an appointment? What will this appointment be like? Will your pet feel pain as they pass? What happens with their remains? If you know in advance that it's time, you can call us to book your pet's final visit with us. We typically recommend that you schedule this appointment for the end of the morning or afternoon, when the hospital is a little more quiet. However, sometimes your pet declines faster than you anticipate and it becomes clear that they are in too much pain or discomfort. In this case you can call us to come in on short notice. When you arrive for the appointment a technician will bring you, your pet, and any other friends or family present into our consultation room. An intravenous catheter will be placed; this may occur in the room with you, or your pet may be brought into our treatment area while the catheter is placed, then returned to the room with you. Once the catheter is placed your pet will be administered a sedative to ease any pain and anxiety, followed by an injection that will induce loss of consciousness and death without causing pain or distress. The process is short and painless; it will be over in a matter of seconds. Your pet won’t be aware of their own passing. We partner with Final Gift Pet Memorial Center for cremation and other aftercare services, enabling them to pick up remains from and deliver ashes and memorial products to our clinic or to your home, but this is only one of the many options available to you. Some pet parents prefer to make arrangements with other pet aftercare services, or to bring their pet’s remains home for burial, both of which we’re happy to accommodate.  A Word on Grief
It’s normal and expected to feel grief after the loss of a pet, just as you would after the passing of any other family member. Indeed, grief is a healthy response and an important part of the healing process. Talking about grief is one of the best ways to work through it, especially if others in your household are feeling similarly; some family members may even be thankful someone else has broached the topic. Of course, friends and family can only do so much. If you’re struggling with grief and need additional support, there are resources available. Tufts University operates a Pet Loss Support Hotline, and Ohio State University’s Honoring the Bond Program has compiled numerous readings, videos, support groups, and other resources to help pet owners dealing with grief. Grief is normal, and showing these emotions or asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. If you’re struggling after the loss of a pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out or utilize the resources above- we know it’s what your pet would want for you.  Every dog owner has heard horror stories of heartworm, and your own dog may even be on a heartworm preventative, but we still get questions about exposure, prevention, and treatment all the time. For a lot of pet owners heartworm is that thing they’ve heard of but don’t know too much about, so we’re using this as a chance to take a deep dive on the subject! To start with the basics, heartworm is a type of parasite that takes up residence in the arteries and hearts of a number of animal species, dogs included. When allowed to develop, heartworm populations can obstruct blood flow and cause irritation to the arteries, meaning an infection can potentially turn life threatening without proper intervention. Fortunately heartworm is both preventable and treatable, so let’s learn more about how to mitigate the risks of this nasty little parasite.  Image courtesy of ttdr.org/heartworm-information-and-prevention/ Transmission Heartworm is transmitted via mosquito bite. Mosquitos can feed off other infected animals (including those of other species), picking up heartworm larvae in the process. When the mosquito then flies to another prey and feeds again, the heartworm larvae are deposited and take up residence in their new host. The larvae burrow through tissues until reaching the bloodstream, and typically arrive at the heart six to seven months after initial exposure. Symptoms and Diagnosis Signs of a heartworm infection can vary greatly, but usually center around the heart and lungs. Infected dogs may be lethargic, and may exhibit coughing, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, or other breathing difficulties. If a vet suspects your dog has an infection they will order a blood test to confirm the presence of heartworm. Treatment Heartworm treatment typically consists of a series of injections, with the specifics varying based on whether your dog is infected with immature heartworms (called microfilariae) or adult heartworms. These injections are administered with us in-house, and your dog may be kept for monitoring after treatment is given. These injections typically need to be spaced out, so treatment often involves multiple visits. It’s also important to keep your dog rested as they undergo heartworm treatment. As heartworms are dying off and breaking down they can travel through the lungs and bloodstream, so heavy exercise can increase the risk of complications during recovery.  Prevention
If that last section sounded scary, there’s good news! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and heartworm prevention is both easier and cheaper than treating an active infection. Heartworm preventatives are safe medications, typically given orally once per month. While some folks discontinue heartworm preventatives during the winter months, we advise continuing them year-round for a number of reasons. Just as with fleas and ticks, all it takes is one unseasonably warm January day for mosquitoes to be rearing their ugly probosci, leading to possible exposure even when it seems like they should be safe. Since heartworms take so long to travel from the skin to the heart, monthly heartworm treatments also help to kill off microfilariae already present in your dog’s body; a heartworm preventative given in February can help to eradicate an exposure from September. Many commercial heartworm preventatives also offer protection against other common parasites, such as hookworm or roundworm, so there’s that many more reasons to use them! Questions? Still have more questions about heartworm? Worried your pet is showing symptoms, or need to get them on a preventative? Get in touch! As usual we’ve got way more information than can possibly fit in these blog posts, and we’re always happy to share.
 If your pet is exhibiting: vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite You can try: A bland diet of white rice and boiled chicken or hamburger. This meal is packed full of simple carbs and proteins, and boiling the meat will remove excess fat to lower strain on the GI tract. If your pet has recently vomited, fast them for 6-12 hours before starting the bland diet, though pets younger than 16 weeks should not be fasted.. If they don’t seem interested in food, try adding a bit of chicken broth to entice them, and leave food out so they can come back to graze at their leisure. Once your pet’s GI symptoms have returned to normal, gradually wean them back to their regular diet over the course of a few days to avoid any shock to their digestive system. But call us if: Your observe symptoms such as lethargy, odd behavior, blood in stool or vomit, worms in feces, or pain contact a veterinary hospital immediately. If soft stool persists for 24 hours or turns into watery diarrhea or if your pet vomits more than twice your pet should be seen by a doctor. If your pet is exhibiting: itchiness, scratching, eye irritation, coughing, or sneezing You can try: Benadryl! The above symptoms can all be signs of allergies, and the over-the-counter antihistamine Benadryl can also be used in dogs and cats. Dosing guidelines are 1 mg per pound of body weight (with a standard Benadryl tablet being 25 mg), given every 8-12 hours as needed. Be sure to buy standard, original formula tablets, since some flavored or chewable versions can have ingredients that are harmful to pets. Antihistamines can also cause a bit of drowsiness in animals just as with humans, so be sure to keep a close eye on your pet after giving one. But call us if: Your pet’s symptoms don’t respond to Benadryl, you notice eye discharge with a green or yellow tint, your pet is scratching at an area of skin that is discolored or has an odor, or your pet’s coughing or sneezing becomes productive. These are all common signs of infection and typically require treatment to resolve.  If your pet is exhibiting: limping, stiffness, or soreness You can try: Limiting your pet’s activity. While stiffness or difficulty moving can be signs of an injury or other condition that requires medical attention, they can often be a case of “played too hard yesterday” or “slept on it funny last night.” Allow your pet to rest anything they may have agitated by limiting their activity for a few days; keep them on a short leash during walks, prevent them from running and jumping, and avoid high-impact play sessions. Unfortunately there aren’t any over-the-counter painkillers that are safe for animals, so avoid giving medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. But call us if: Your pet is showing signs of pain or distress, they aren't feeling better after 2-3 days of limited activity, or their symptoms start to get worse rather than better. These could indicate a more serious injury that needs attention to heal properly, or one of the various tick borne diseases that are prevalent in this area. If your pet is in pain there are also a few prescription strength painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs a veterinarian can prescribe that can keep them comfortable during their recovery. If your pet is exhibiting: tick bites You can try: Plucking the tick out with tweezers and monitoring. If your pet is on a flea and tick preventative and vaccinated against lyme disease, there’s not much to worry about here. Ticks have to be embedded for upwards of 24 hours to transmit most diseases, so while oral flea and tick preventatives don’t stop ticks from biting they do kill them quickly enough to avert this risk. It can also take upwards of a month for tick borne diseases to show up on a blood test or for symptoms to present, so there’s rarely a benefit to bringing a pet in immediately after they’ve been bitten. But call us if: Your pet begins to exhibit soreness, stiffness, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. These are all common symptoms of tick borne diseases, and if these present after a tick bite it’s time to have your pet checked out. If your pet is exhibiting: new lumps or bumps You can try: Monitoring the lump for a week to watch for any changes. Pets can get strange lumps on their bodies just the same as us, and often they’re harmless deposits of fat, skin tags, or benign tumors. While it never hurts to err on the side of caution, monitoring the bump for a little while can give a better sense of what we’re dealing with. Sometimes photographs can be enough to identify the lump as well, so if you’ve got one feel free to text (978-369-3503) or email ([email protected]) it over! But call us if: The lump grows visibly larger, is sensitive to the touch, ruptures or oozes, or has not gone down in size after a week.  While we’ve packed this article full of as much helpful information as we could, there’s so much we don’t have space to cover! This guide is intended to be a first resource, rather than a be-all end-all, and nothing here serves as a replacement for seeing a veterinarian. It can be hard to figure out when it’s time to pick up the phone, and sometimes folks worry about bothering us with so-called stupid questions, but we’d always prefer you call us if you’re not sure. After all, it’s what we’re here for!
 It’s another New England May, which can only mean one thing: summer is either right around the corner, already in full-swing, or another two months out. Regardless of whether the season shows up early or fashionably late this year, we’re taking this chance to talk about some seasonal safety tips for your and your pets. We’ve done our best to compile advice that will prepare you for any summer situation. Some of it may be old news (hot cars, anyone?), but our hope is that you’ll learn a thing or two along the way. Consider this a final exam before you and your pets have a whole summer of safe, exciting fun ahead of you!  Beat the Heat Whether you love 90 degree weather or hate it, we’ve surely got some in store. While it’s hardly a secret that dogs and hot cars are a bad combination, a lot of people don’t realize just how dangerous the heat can be. Heat stroke is a perennial summer concern, and occurs when a dog’s body is warming faster than they can cool off. Be mindful of the temperature if you’re headed outside, and try to schedule walks, play sessions, and any other high-activity plans around the cooler parts of the day. It’s important to know the risk factors as well; elderly and obese dogs, dogs with heavy coats, and brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed breeds like pugs or bulldogs) are more susceptible to heat stroke, and should be monitored accordingly. It’s not just the air to keep an eye on either, it’s the ground as well! Concrete and asphalt can get hot under direct sunlight, with asphalt often running 50 degrees hotter than the air above. A good rule of thumb (or in this case paw) is to put your own skin in the game to check. If the pavement is too hot for your bare hands or feet, it’s too hot for those sensitive paw pads as well. Grab your pup some protective booties, or save the walk for a cooler time of day.  SPF: Safe, Prepared, Fun! The sun! You know, that giant ball of fire that sits in the sky and burns us if we stay outside too long? Earth’s a weird place sometimes. Unfortunately our dogs share the same sky, and they can get sunburns just like us. Exposed areas like bellies and faces tend to be more prone to sunburns, as do dogs with lighter coats or coloration, but it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution. Try to find shade and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and if those rays are unavoidable consider protective clothing or dog-specific sunscreen- just be sure it’s labeled for use with animals, since human sunscreens often contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. Summer Styles Whether you’re jazzed for your summer wardrobe or mourning the loss of sweater weather, your pet’s not giving it much thought. Dogs tend to be pretty good at adapting to the seasons and, while they may benefit from a slight helping hand, a gentle touch is key. While a dog’s coat can seem like a lot to lug around in summer, many breed’s coats help to insulate their bodies against hot air. Cutting a dog’s coat too short or shaving them down can result in difficulty regulating body temperature, and can also leave them more exposed to those nasty doggy sunburns we mentioned above. Dogs tend to shed in accordance with the seasons and temperature, so oftentimes a good brush will help more than a haircut. If you do think your dog would benefit from an actual summer cut, be sure to consult with a professional groomer (cough cough) to get the job done right!  The Lowdown on Lawns A nicely-maintained lawn can be the perfect spot for a summer cookout or a rousing game of fetch, but it can also play host to a handful of unseen dangers. Many of the products used to get your lawn looking good can be toxic if ingested by pets, such as fertilizers containing bone or blood meal, mulches derived from cocoa beans, and the obvious culprits like insecticides and herbicides. If you’ve treated your lawn or garden be sure to keep your pets from sniffing or rolling around in the affected areas, and if you use a landscaping service alert them to any pets on the property. It’s not just chemicals to watch out for either, since many of the same plants that make for a delightful spring or summer garden can also be harmful to curious pets. Flowers such as lilies, tulips, azaleas, and even daffodils can be toxic, as can certain vegetables like onions, chives, and unripe tomatoes. If you’ve got a garden on your property it may be a good idea to put a fence around it, for your pets’ sake and plants’ sake alike! Lifeguard on Duty While some dogs love swimming and others won’t touch water with a ten foot stick, beaches and pools can be a summer staple for dogs of all shapes and sizes. If you plan to bring your dog around water remember that certain breeds are more suited for swimming than others (retrievers and water dogs can swim laps around boxy bulldogs), and consider the value of a doggy life-vest. If you’ve got a pool on your property, keep it covered when it’s not in use! Beaches introduce a few more unknowns, but a bit of preparation is all it takes to make your day at the beach a day at the beach. If you plan to let your dog off leash be sure they have a good recall, and bring plenty of fresh drinking water so they don’t try to chug the salty ocean surf. Be mindful of others as well; on a nice day there are likely to be plenty of other dogs and people, and all the new sights, sounds, and smells can make even a well-behaved dog forget their manners a bit. Endless Summer (Safety)
We could go on forever about storm planning or tick prevention or heat stroke, but you’re probably sick of reading and ready to enjoy that summer sun, so we’ll cut ourselves off here. Fortunately school’s in session all year around, so if you still have unanswered questions or want to learn more about any of the topics we glossed over above, don’t be a stranger! We want this to be your pet’s best, safest summer ever, and we’re here to help that happen however we can. Now toss those notebooks away, enjoy that warm air, and have a great summer! In human medicine and veterinary medicine alike, diabetes is a scary word. If you have a pet who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, or simply like to keep yourself awake at night with a bunch of what-if worrying (no judgment, we all do it), you probably have a lot of questions about how to deal with this condition. Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom! While diabetes may be the boogeyman under the doggie bed, we know a lot about how to manage the disease. With proper management and a little TLC, your diabetic pet can still have plenty of happy years ahead of them.  What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a disease that results from the body’s inability to properly process glucose. You may have heard the words glucose and insulin in passing, but in order to understand diabetes it’s important to have a grasp of what these are, and the role they play in the body. Glucose is fuel! Specifically, it’s a kind of sugar our bodies and our pets’ bodies tend to break food into, and it serves as our primary energy source. Glucose is produced by the intestines during digestion, and is then moved to the bloodstream for transportation throughout the body. Meanwhile insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose out of the blood and into the other cells; glucose can travel where it pleases within your bloodstream, but it can’t actually leave without a helping hand from insulin. When these two components are working in beautiful harmony, you have a healthy happy body! But when your body doesn’t have enough insulin, or when it’s not capable of utilizing the insulin it does have, we call that diabetes. You may have also heard the phrases type 1 and type 2 thrown around. They’re not the most descriptive names, but the difference is pretty simple: type 1 diabetes means your body struggles to produce insulin, while type 2 means your body can produce insulin but can’t effectively utilize it, so glucose builds up regardless. Excessive thirst and urination are two of the most common, most recognizable symptoms of diabetes." Pet vs Human: What’s the difference? While diabetes is relatively similar across species, there are a few key differences that cause the disease to stand out in dogs and cats. For a start, diabetes tends to present later in life for dogs than it does in humans. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed during childhood or adolescence in humans, while it isn’t common in dogs until middle age. Type 2 diabetes is also rare in dogs, while Type 1 diabetes is rare in cats! The other key difference sounds obvious, but it’s an important one: pets can’t take care of themselves. A diabetic human can monitor their own blood glucose, administer their own insulin, and regulate their meals as necessary, but our pets have yet to master these skills. They rely on their humans for care and may not understand why they’re being poked or denied a usual meal, which can present some extra bumps along the road. Have a diabetic pet or curious how to administer insulin? Watch our how-to video!  Spotting the Symptoms The sooner diabetic treatment can be started the better, so it’s important to recognize the signs early! Excessive thirst and urination are two of the most common, most recognizable symptoms. When your blood has too much glucose the excess sugar ends up being filtered by the kidneys, which draws out additional water in the process. This water is fast-tracked to urine rather than absorbed into the body, which means our poor hypothetical diabetic dog is left thirsty no matter how much they drink. Beyond this, other major symptoms to watch out for include cloudy eyes, decreased appetite, and recurring skin or urinary infections. If you notice any of these symptoms in your own pet, give us a call and we’ll figure out next steps! Managing Your Pet’s Diabetes So you’ve got the diagnosis, and you’re wondering where to turn next. Figuring out next steps, at-home management, dietary changes, and more can be a logistical challenge and a major source of stress. Fortunately managing your pet’s diabetes actually becomes pretty simple once you get the hang of it, so we’re here to walk you through the basics! Insulin administration is probably the most recognizable part of diabetic management. If your pet can’t produce their own insulin they’ll need injections after meal time, typically twice daily, to help their body process glucose. This can be one of the most stressful parts for owners who worry about hurting their pets, but fear not! Insulin needles are very thin, and the injections are administered subcutaneously (into the layer of fat underneath the skin), so your pet will barely feel a thing. Those first few injections can be stressful, but we’re happy to demonstrate and work with you until you’re giving them like a pro. Dietary changes are another key piece, since dietary management is all about regulating those glucose levels. Veterinarians typically recommend a high fiber diet for dogs and a low carb, high protein diet for cats. If there’s one golden rule of diabetic management, consistency is key! You want to be feeding the same amounts of the same food at the same time of day, and administering the same amounts of the same insulin along with it. Ensuring that you get these routines down to a science is the most reliable way to control your pet’s insulin and glucose levels, which is the ultimate goal of treatment. Conclusion
Diabetes management can be tricky. Finding the right routine can take time, and that time is often stressful for pets and humans alike. If your pet has just received a new diabetes diagnosis it may feel like too much to take in, but just remember: you’re at the hardest point right now. Every day you’ll learn a little more about taking care of your pet, and everything you learn will make it that much easier. Soon these routines will just feel like second nature! Until that time comes though, you’re not in this alone. Our staff are here to help you find a treatment plan that works for you and your pet, and to answer your questions every step of the way.  CAH Veterinarian Dr. Rondeau gets serious If you’re a Massachusetts resident you’re probably already familiar with our state’s progressive legislature around marijuana legalization, with the flurry of dispensaries and products, and supposed health remedies that have followed. But overshadowed by this conversation is another question that’s just as important, and one we’ve heard a lot of in the veterinary world: What the heck is CBD, and should I be giving it to my pet? CBD has been legal in Massachusetts in one form or another for a while now, and it’s only become more widespread in recent years. From liquor stores to gas stations to supermarkets, you’ve probably seen CBD products sitting on store displays without even looking for them. You may have heard a friend or coworker tell you about how CBD helps with their back pain or their sleep problems, and you may even know someone who gives CBD to their pets. But that raises a lot of big questions: Is CBD safe? Is it effective? Should I be giving it to my pet? For the answers to these questions and more we’ve brought in Tufts Cummings alumni and CAH veterinarian, Dr. Kaitlin Rondeau.  What is CBD? You’ve probably heard the name around, but what actually is CBD? “Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of two active ingredients found in marijuana, with the other being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),” Dr. Rondeau explains. “THC is the psychoactive ingredient and is responsible for the high people get from Marijuana. CBD has no psychoactive effect and comes from both marijuana and hemp plants.” CBD sometimes gets a bad rap because of this association, but it’s just one component of many. You can think of it like chlorophyll or cellulose; just because it exists in the marijuana plant doesn’t mean it will cause a high on its own. What are the benefits? CBD has been the subject of a bit of a health craze recently, and there are a lot of (often anecdotal) stories about its benefits and effects. CBD can potentially help with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and substance addiction cravings in humans, and veterinary advocates believe it could have similar benefits in animals. But as we’ll get into, words like potentially are doing a lot of heavy lifting! Should I be giving CBD to my pets? CBD is legal, widely available, and seems to have some great benefits. So what’s the hold up? Unfortunately, for everything we do know about CBD and its possible veterinary uses, there are ten more things we don’t. For a start, there are currently no CBD products that have received FDA approval for veterinary use. “This doesn’t necessarily mean a product is bad or harmful, but it does mean there’s no oversight into whether the product does what it claims,” Dr. Rondeau cautions. It also means there’s no guarantee the product contains the ingredients and quantities it claims, and could even have unlisted ingredients or contaminants. In fact, federal law allows CBD products to contain THC in quantities below 0.3% of their weight. Without that FDA approval you can never be entirely sure what you’re giving your pet! Another equally large cause for concern is a lack of available information on how CBD interacts with other drugs. “CBD could very well be okay in a vacuum, but what if your pet is already on carprofen, or gabapentin, or phenobarbital?” says Dr. Rondeau. “Until we know more about when CBD is safe and when it isn’t, we can’t recommend it as a part of any treatment plan.”  Okay, but… What if I want to use it anyway?
Look, we get it. We could sit here and talk about the uncertainties and potential health risks for hours, but at the end of the day we can’t stop anyone from doing what they’re going to do. CBD probably does have veterinary benefits, and ten years down the road it could be a popular part of veterinary treatment plans. But until then, if you’re giving your pets CBD, we want to be sure you’re doing it in the safest way possible. While CBD might still be awaiting FDA approval, reputable manufacturers of CBD products should be able to offer an FDA-compliant Certificate of Analysis verifying the product’s contents. Especially if giving products intended for humans you should also be on the lookout for potentially harmful ingredients, such as chocolate or the artificial sweetener xylitol. “As with all medications and supplements,” Dr. Rondeau adds, “we advise starting at a low dose to test how your pet will tolerate the change.” But above all else, we just want you to be honest with us! We’re not your parents, and we’re not trying to get you in trouble. For the sake of your pet’s safety, we always want the honest truth about any medications, supplements, or other substances your pet might receive. All that was a lot of words to say “We just don’t know yet,” but it’s important to talk about these things! More research on CBD comes out every single day, and we’re keeping an eager eye on the findings. We’re sure we’re not alone in this thirst to know more either, so if you have questions about CBD, managing pain or chronic conditions, or anything else, give us a call! We’re always happy to do a little CBD of our own- Chatting ‘Bout Dogs, that is!  Dottie is ready to route for the Chiefs on Sunday! The Patriots might be down and out, but the Super Bowl must go on! We all love a chance to get together with some good friends and some good food, regardless of who’s on the field, and we hope you all have some exciting plans for this very special Sunday. But if there’s one thing worse than watching your team drop a pass, it’s watching a houseguest drop a garlic knot directly into your pup’s waiting mouth. That’s why we’ve put together this list of helpful Super Bowl safety tips, to get your pets out of the ER and into the endzone. So get ready to flag some common household dangers, tackle the safety hazards in your own home, and kick off your most pet-safe Super Bowl yet! No more football puns, though. We’re already burned out. Fine. A few more. Since you asked nicely. Play Defense at Kickoff Our first Super Bowl safety callout starts the moment you let guests into your house, and it’s… well, letting guests into your house! While you’ll be eager to greet your friends, your pets will be equal parts excited and nervous about all these strange new people in their home. Frightened pets often make a quick break for the door, which can result in them escaping and becoming lost. Keep your defensive line especially tight while letting guests in and out of your house, and consider keeping your pets closed in a separate room at the beginning and end of your party. And if you haven’t microchipped your pet, there’s no time like the present! Don’t Fumble the Food If you’re playing in the Super Bowl, your game day meal is probably full of protein and complex carbs. If you’re watching from home, wings and chips are a more likely menu. But if you’re a dog or a cat, your game day meal should consist of the same pet-safe foods it usually does (and if you need a refresher, we’ve got you covered!). While you probably don’t need to be told not to feed your dog chicken wings or a slice of pizza, well-meaning house guests may not have built up the same resistance to those sad puppy eyes. Make sure all your guests know not to share human food with pets, and keep plates and serving trays covered or otherwise out of reach. If the thought of a party where you can’t feed the pets is just too much to bear, consider setting out some host-approved kibble or treats for your guests to give instead. Unlike the real Super Bowl, now everyone wins!  Petal looks comfortable in her cheering gear! Rep Your Colors Comfortably
The Super Bowl is all about showing off your team pride, and if you’ve bought your pet a jersey or a costume then a party is the perfect place for the big debut. But whether you’re rooting for the Pats or cheering on one of those other teams, you should always make sure any pet costume is safe and comfortable for your little superfan. Clothes can be strange and alarming to pets who aren’t used to wearing them, and they can easily restrict movement and vision, or cause overheating. Plus, your star quarterback might get more attention than they’re used to, which can cause them to become stressed and overwhelmed. Which leads nicely into our next topic… Play It Cool Super Bowl parties can be fun, but they can also be hectic - doubly so for your pets! Their home is full of strangers and so many new sights, sounds, and smells, not to mention the emotions! If you’re yelling at the TV during a touchdown or feeling stressed over a double overtime nail-biter, your pets might pick up on that and behave accordingly. That’s why it’s extra important to keep a close eye on your pet during the party, and to monitor for any signs of stress or discomfort. If you notice your pet lowering their ears, hunching up, or hiding under furniture, call a timeout and move them away from the action. Your guests might miss them, but your pet will appreciate having a quiet space to recoup before the fourth quarter. Have a Post-Game Wrap-Up The winners are hoisting the trophy and your guests are headed home, but a host’s work is never done. As strong as the urge to say “I’ll deal with it tomorrow” might be, your future self will thank you for cleaning up now. Dirty plates, half-empty cups, and dropped bits of food all pose a potential danger to pets, and should be dealt with as soon as the party’s over (or ideally, during the party itself). It may not be fun, but it’s a small price to pay to keep your pet happy and healthy! Remember the Off-Season We’ve been talking about Super Bowl parties today, but a lot of this advice stays good year-round. Just because the party is over and your jersey is packed up until next year doesn’t mean we have to forget what we’ve learned! Keeping your pet away from ingestion hazards, keeping a close eye on them when guests are over, and being mindful of clothes and costumes are all good habits that will serve you well the other 364 days a year. Of course, try as we might, we can’t answer everything in a single blog post. If you have questions we haven’t answered here, or are reading this after the Super Bowl and are worried your pet might have gotten into something at your party, make like we’re Tom Brady and give us a ring! And if you’re reading this in the present and are still ramping up to your Super Bowl party, it might not be a bad idea to bookmark our emergency resources page as well. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s always better safety than sorry! Alright. Puns are done for real now.  If the chilly weather, lawn decorations, and music at every grocery store haven’t already tipped you off, the holidays are growing near! While you’re racing around to find gifts for your family and friends and neighbors and your mail carrier’s nephew’s fiance, there’s a special someone who might slip your list entirely. If you couldn’t guess from the fact that we’re an animal hospital, we’re talking about your pet! Whether your pet will be eating tinsel off the tree or knocking over your menorah, they deserve a shiny new toy, too. But with so many goodies and pet products on the market, it can be hard to separate the cool from the coal. That’s why we’ve put together this handy holiday gift guide, to help you shop for the picky pups and the finicky felines in your life. While we won’t be endorsing specific brands or products, we’ll take a look at categories of products to help you figure out what’s worth looking into, and what’s just a bunch of Holiday ho-hum.  Chew Toys: As the old saying goes, every dog toy is a chew toy. Considering your pup will have their fun chewing on just about anything you give them, it’s important to make sure their toys won’t be harmful to their pearly whites. Our good friends at Veterinary Dental Services in Boxborough put together this handy dandy guide to help you determine what’s suitable for your pet’s teeth, and what’s a periodontal no-go. As a general rule of thumb (in this case literally!), anything that can’t be indented with your fingernail runs the risk of breaking teeth. So this year ditch the tennis balls and bones, and stuff your stockings with pig ears instead. They’re great for your dog, and kids love them too! Feeders, Fountains, and Bowls: It’s easy to take food and water bowls for granted, even though our pets use them every single day! While there’s nothing wrong with the tried and true dog dish, there are a handful of fancier products that might be worth your investment. Puzzle feeders and slow feeder dog bowls can turn dinner into a fun game that scratches that hunter instinct, and can also help out with those over-eager pups who eat so fast they make themselves sick. It’s a gift for you, too! Cats are also notoriously bad at drinking water, which is why we typically recommend feeding wet food. But in addition to a good moist meal, some people also find that their cats respond better to a water fountain than a still bowl. Cats are inclined to think standing water is unsafe (if only puddle-drinking dogs had that instinct), so they may be more drawn to a fountain that mimics running water instead. If you struggle to get your cat to drink enough, a fountain could be the secret to a healthy, hydrated holiday.  Treats and Snacks: Candy is a great stocking stuffer for our human friends, so maybe you want to share that love with your pets as well! But with so many options available, and with all the recent news on pet obesity rates, it can be hard to figure out what makes for a suitable snack. As a general rule treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet, though that still leaves a lot of room for variance- a treat that’s 2% of a Leonberger’s daily caloric intake might be 20% of a Yorkie’s! One way to help manage this is to skip the store bought treats all together, and to use lower calorie, homemade alternatives like carrots, apples, and unbuttered popcorn. If you do want to go the store bought route, pay extra attention to fat content and overall calorie count, and look for treats that contain single-source ingredients as opposed to preservatives and artificial flavorings. Supplements: Pet stores are flooded with supplements these days, with many making bold claims about curing this problem or that ailment. Considering the lack of regulation around veterinary nutraceuticals it’s good to turn a skeptical eye to these sorts of products, and it’s safe to say that a good number of supplements don’t live up to their own hype. But that does beg the question, are any of these supplements worth your money? While supplements should always be used in accordance with your veterinarian’s advice, and while they can’t treat every problem, there are particular issues where they’re worthy of consideration. Anxiety is often a complex issue that requires a combination of training and medication, but certain supplements containing ingredients such as L-theanine, L-tryptophan, magnolias officinalis, and phellodendron amurense have been shown to help with some types of anxiety. Joint pain and osteoarthritis are also issues that can require a multi-pronged approach for long term management, but supplements containing glucosamine or omega-3s can be a component in these plans. And for those dogs who have chronic gastrointestinal issues, such as frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, probiotics can be useful to help get these under wraps! DIY Toys: They say nothing beats a homemade gift, and that’s as true with pets as it is with people. Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, there are plenty of DIY presents you can put together without having to break the bank or brave the mall around the holidays. Plus, we’re sure you have more boxes than you know what to do with this time of year, so here are some ideas! Dogs tend to be fairly food motivated, so there are plenty of toys, games, and puzzles you can put together to make them work for their treats. Cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, and muffin tins can all be turned into puzzles with minimal effort, and if you’re feeling especially ambitious you can even make a furniture obstacle course around your house! Cats are a little less treat-obsessed than their canine companions, so you can get a bit more creative with their entertainment. While puzzle feeders are certainly still on the table, you can also turn cardboard boxes into sprawling cat manors and labyrinthine mazes. If you’ve got a couch potato kitty, you can even set up a TV feed with a tablet and some bird or fish videos. Have you already shopped and dropped? If you can't bring yourself to visit one more store - actual or virtual - we understand. The gift of your love and affection is secretly all they really want, so let them unwrap a snuggle direct from you and this will be their best holiday ever!
 Thanksgiving was a great opportunity to reflect on all the positives in our life, and there’s certainly no shortage of things we’re thankful for (our awesome staff, our wonderful clients, and getting to spend every day with so many lovely pets, to say the least)! But as easy as it would be to go on for pages and pages about all the things we’re grateful for, now that Thanksgiving is over we’re turning our focus somewhere else: our pets themselves! Our pets might not be able to tell us the things they’re thankful for, and if you’re a cat owner you might doubt they’re ever thankful for anything at all. But even if they don’t always show it, your pets are glad to have you in their lives! So while you were putting turkey and stuffing in your mouth we were putting words in theirs, and sharing the top five things we’re sure your pets are thankful for. 
 It should go without saying that this list is non-exhaustive. We didn’t have room to include long games of fetch, or your pet’s special squeaky toy, or quality time with their very favorite human. You make your pet’s life better every single day just by being there, and we know they appreciate that, even if they can’t say it. So when you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this year (remember not to share!), take a moment and give yourself a pat on the back for all the hard work you do. If you close your eyes and listen really hard, you might just hear your favorite pet giving a toast.
 Petal Wilson ready to terrorize the neighborhood Do you feel that? The nights are growing longer, the air is growing colder, and there’s something sinister lurking around every corner. While we all know Halloween candy can pose a threat to our pets and trick-or-treaters can give them a fright, this year we’re talking about a lesser-known danger that’s just as sinister. It’s a danger that lurks in plain sight, a danger that few of us ever think about, a danger that’s coming from inside the house. This year we’re talking about… Decorations. We all enjoy turning our homes into dens of dastardly horror this time of year, but we rarely think of the plastic skeleton in the corner as an actual threat. Our fuzzy friends, on the other hand, might not recognize the difference between play danger and real danger- and as it turns out, that difference might be smaller than you think! This month we’re talking about Halloween decorations, and sharing our top tips to haunt your house without having to haunt the vet’s office. So steel your nerves, find a safe place to hunker down, and read on… If you dare.  Pupmkin's without candles are Jules-approved decorations
 Harper & Kitten pose for a purr-fectly safe fall picture If this were a horror movie you’d have to face these dangers alone, or perhaps with a group of ill-fated friends, but fortunately it’s (probably) not. We want you all to have a Halloween that’s fun and spooky while still remaining safe, and we’re here to answer any questions you might have. If you’ve got concerns, whether they’re about decorations or general Halloween safety, feel free to get in touch! Less than half of our staff have been possessed by malevolent spirits, so our advice is usually trustworthy.
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OFFICE HOURS:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm |
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Concord Animal Hospital 245 Baker Avenue Concord, MA 01742 Phone: (978) 369-3503 Fax: (978) 371-9748 [email protected] |
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