Common Digestive Problems in Dogs

common digestive problems in dogs

We’ve all been there. One day Fido is feeling 100 % and the next, he has an upset tummy. Understanding common digestive problems in dogs will help you know if Fido’s upset tummy is an emergency.

Pancreatitis

What is pancreatitis? 

It is a digestive disease that occurs when the pancreas, located right side of the abdomen adjacent to the stomach, becomes inflamed. The enzymes that the pancreas creates to aid in the digestion of food start to overflow into the abdomen. Once in the enzymes reach the abdomen, the body begins to digest itself leading to kidney, liver, and damage to other organs. Pancreatitis is a medical emergency and can result in death if not treated properly! 

What are the symptoms?

Commonly, most dogs will present symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and a decreased appetite. You may see your dog place their hind end in the air while their front legs and head are low to the ground. Some dogs with severe cases may have bouts of severe depression, go into acute shock, or even die. 

How is it caused? 

Although the exact cause of pancreatitis is not known, a meal high in fat is often thought to be the culprit. Since a dog’s digestive tract is not used to high-fat meals, it is best to not give Fido table scraps of human food like beef, bacon, or chicken skin. Often times, Pancreatitis can present spontaneously without any reason or be the result of high doses or corticosteroids. 

How is it diagnosed?

After an exam, your vet will draw blood to check your pet’s white blood cell count, organ function, and to see if their enzyme levels are normal. Since a dog with pancreatitis may have normal enzyme levels, your vet will also run a Snap cPL test that detects elevated lipase levels in your dog’s blood. X-rays may also be taken to see if there has been any damage to the pancreas. In some cases, an ultrasound may be needed to chek for inflammation and infection. 

How is it treated? 

Your dog will be hospitalized in most cases for 2-4 days for treatment. IV fluids will be given to keep your pet hydrated and to keep your pet’s electrolytes balanced. Pain medications will be administered to help wth the intense pain the disease causes. Antibiotics will be given if an infection is suspected. Anti-inflammatory medications along with anti-nausea & vomiting medications will be administered. Food will be slowly reintroduced as your pet begins to feel better. Once discharged, your pet will be sent home a low fat easy to digest prescription diet to help prevent recurring bouts of the disease. 

Colitis

What is colitis? 

Colitis is inflammation of the colon or large intestine. Colitis happens when the final part of the digestive process in disrupted because the lining of the colon is irritated and inflamed. 

What are the symptoms? 

Most dogs will have small frequent bowel movements often described as soft. Many dogs will strain to defecate or have loose watery stools sometimes accompanied by mucous or blood. a frequent urge to defecate is common along with passing gas. Vomiting and weight loss may also occur but are rare. Often times the area surrounding the anus is inflamed or red from straining. 

How is it caused? 

Colitis has symptoms that suddenly appear such as diarrhea and may resolve on its own after a few days. Your pet may appear normal other than having diarrhea. Colitis is caused by a change in diet, stress, parasites, ingesting toxins or foreign objects, or bacterial overgrowth in the colon.

How is it diagnosed? 

Your veterinarian will perform a complete exam and obtain your pet’s medical history. A fecal test will be done to examine the feces for parasites and bacteria. Blood will be drawn to check your pet’s red & white blood cells and organ function. X-rays may be taken to locate any abnormalities within the intestines.

How is it treated? 

Treatment of colitis often depends on the underlying condition that is causing the symptoms. If a specific cause of the colitis cannot be found, your vet will recommend withholding food for 24-48 hours and placing your pet on a low residue, high fiber diet.  Your pet may be placed on an antimicrobial medication such as Flagyl for any overgrowth of bacteria.  

These common digestive problems in dogs require medical treatment. If your dog is having diarrhea or exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above call your veterinarian for an appointment. 

 

Written by Julie Gajewski. Julie has been pet sitting and working in the veterinary industry as both a Veterinary Technician and veterinary hospital administrator since 1997. She founded her pet sitting company, Fuzzy Friends Pet Care, at the young age of 16. She was nominated as one of Pet Sitters International’s Top 5 Pet Sitters in 2016 and is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International. She is a pet business consultant and a guest blog writer for pet sitters across the world. She lives in Florida with her husband and furry children, 2 Pugs and 4 cats.

Pet First Aid Tips

Pet First Aid

Administering Pet first Aid should never be considered a substitute for treatment by a licensed veterinarian, but being informed on Pet First Aid when your experiences an emergency could save your pet’s life. Always keep your safety in mind when administering first aid to your pet. 

 

Fractures

Broken bones are extremely painful. Before handling your pet, place muzzle on your pet to prevent them from unintentionally biting you. Carefully move your pet to a flat surface, taking care to not cause further to the fractured bone. Avoid placing a splint as improperly placed splints can do more harm than good. Before leaving, call your veterinarian to alert them that you are on your way. When transporting your pet, be sure to use a stretcher, board or a blanket sling to move the pet. Secure your pet to the stretcher without placing pressure on the fracture or on your pet’s chest by simply laying a blanket over them. Remember, keep calm and drive safely to the veterinarian for care.

Toxins or Poisons

If your pet has ingested a toxic or poisonous substance, immediately call your veterinarian, local emergency clinic or the Animal Poison Control Center. The Animal Poison Control center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is a consultation fee for the call. Their phone number is (888) 426-4435. Be sure to collect the names or the actual items your pet ingested in a bag and take them with you to the veterinary clinic.  It is important to not induce vomiting unless you have been directed to do so by a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center, as with some subtances, vomiting can worsen your pet’s condition. 

 Choking

Many pet owners do not know how a pet exhibits signs of choking. Most often, when a pet is choking it will paw at their mouth, will have difficulty breathing, may cough or make hacking sounds or may have blue lips and tongue. If your pet can still breath and their airway is only partially obstructed immediately call your veterinarian and let them know you are on your way, then drive calmly to the veterinary clinic. During transportation is it important to keep your pet calm. If your pet is unable to breathe and has a full airway obstruction, removing the object will be necessary. First, open your pet’s mouth and look inside. If you can locate the object, try to carefully remove it using your fingers, tweezers, or pliers. It is important that you do not lodge the object further down your pet’s throat. If you are unable to successfully remove the object, transport your pet immediately to the closest veterinary clinic.

 Seizures

If your pet is having a seizure it is important to keep the area around them clear of furniture and objects that they may injure themselves on. Refrain from holding your pet down or from trying to get them to stop seizing. Timing the seizure will help your veterinarian later. Most seizures last 2-3 minutes. After the pet has stopped seizing, keep them calm, comfortable and warm. Call your veterinarian to alert them you are on your way. Take note if your pet has any additional seizure activity on the way to the veterinary office.

 External Bleeding

If your pet is injured and is heavily bleeding, first place muzzle on your pet. Open wounds can be painful and your pet may bite. Second, locate the area where the blood is coming from and apply pressure on the area with a clean towel. Apply pressure to the wound for at least 3 minutes to allow blood clots to form Do not remove the towel, as that can remove any blood clots that have formed and restart the bleeding. If the blood is soaking through the towel add additional layers of towels on top of the soaked through towels. Call your veterinarian to alert them you are on your way and drive safely to the clinic. Severe blood loss can be life-threatening, so immediate medical treatment by a veterinarian must be sought.

 Burns

If your pet has suffered a burn first, it is important to extinguish any remaining flames before administering pet first aid. After all the flames are out,  flush the burned area with large amounts of cool water. If cool water is not available you can place cold compresses on the affected area. While cooling the burn, do NOT break open any blisters that have formed. After flushing with cool water loosely cover the burn with a clean towel and prepare your pet for transport. Butter and ointment can cause an infection, so do NOT place them on the burn.

Having the phone numbers of your veterinarian and local animal emergency clinic handy is always a good idea. A pet first aid kit at home is a must. The American Veterinary Medical Association has pet First aid supplies checklist on their website. You can find it by clicking here. You can help save your pet’s life by becoming pet first aid trained through Pet Tech which offers classes locally or online through Pet Pro Hero. Remember to stay calm and driving safely while transporting your pet to the veterinarian!

Written by Julie Gajewski. Julie has been pet sitting and working in the veterinary industry as both a Veterinary Technician and veterinary hospital administrator since 1997. She founded her pet sitting company, Fuzzy Friends Pet Care, at the young age of 16. She was nominated as one of Pet Sitters International’s Top 5 Pet Sitters in 2016 and is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International. She is a pet business consultant and a guest blog writer for pet sitters across the world. She lives in Florida with her husband and furry children, 2 Pugs and 4 cats.

Why is my cat so picky about drinking water?

cat

Cats are finicky. They are always changing where they sleep, what they will eat, and where they like to be pet. A common question among cat owners is “Why is my cat so picky about drinking water?” The answers may surprise you!

 

Where you place the water dish is important

Keeping the kitty food and water dishes side by side is a common practice among pet owners. Unfortunately for Fluffy, this is not how she would prefer it. Where you place the water dish is important to feline friends since have a very strong sense of smell. When a cat drinks water, it prefers not to smell their food nearby. They also prefer to keep their source of water away from their food as to prevent contamination. Keep Fluffy happy by moving her water dish away from her food dish. This one simple step may encourage her to drink more water. Another tip is to place several water dishes in different areas of your home to give your kitty options and the chance to find where she prefers to get a drink. 

Feeding wet food is preferred

If Fluffy was living in the wild, she would hunt for food just like feral cats do. Her diet would consist of birds, rodents, & lizards which are made up of 70% water. Her diet would make up for most of the water she would need. Most house cats are fed dry food which contains only 20% water. Switching Fluffy to a wet food diet will not only provide her with most of the water she needs, it will make her extremely happy!

Their survival instincts play a factor

Ancient Egyptians domesticated cats over 4,000 years ago, but to this day our feline friends still rely on the same survival instincts they used in the wild. You may provide Fluffy with fresh water, and day after day the bowl goes untouched. Water that sits still can be very intimidating to a cat which sets off an alarm to stay away.  Drinking from a bowl leaves them vulnerable. If the water level does not stay constant within the bowl, they cannot tell where the water starts.  To help Fluffy out, keep the water level the same each time you fill her bowl and always be sure clean your Fluffy’s water dish with soap and water daily to prevent bacteria from forming. 

They prefer running water

I bet that one more than one occasion Fluffy has demanded a drink from the kitchen faucet. That is because kitties prefer their water to be fresh, and running water equals fresh water.  Running water is also more oxygenated than still in a bowl which is more appealing. Instead of running the tap for Fluffy all day, invest in a cat water fountain. They come in a variety of shapes & colors, have filters to keep the water fresh as it circulates. Amazon has a huge list of pet fountains that can be at your door within 24 hours. We love the Pioneer Rain Drop FountainPetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Pagoda Fountain

 

Kidney disease is the number one killer of most domesticated cats. Keep Fluffy healthy by trying at least one or all of these suggestions. Fluffy will thank you! 

 

Written by Julie Gajewski. Julie has been pet sitting and working in the veterinary industry as both a Veterinary Technician and veterinary hospital administrator since 1997. She founded her pet sitting company, Fuzzy Friends Pet Care, at the young age of 16. She was nominated as one of Pet Sitters International’s Top 5 Pet Sitters in 2016 and is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International. She is a pet business consultant and a guest blog writer for pet sitters across the world. She lives in Florida with her husband and furry children, 2 Pugs and 4 cats.

 

Top 3 Weekend Getaways within 300 miles of Douglas County, Georgia

pet sitter

We all love to get away. Relax. Refresh. Recharge. Taking the time to unplug and spending quality time with the ones we love. Taking time to focus on yourself and what is most important in life. Did you know that there are three amazing weekend getaways within 300 miles of Douglas County? Read along to find your next weekend road trip!

 

Savannah, GA

Savannah is known for its haunted history and southern charm. Located 240 miles and just over a 4-hour drive away, Savannah is just the weekend getaway you have been dreaming about. There is a little bit of something for everyone. History buffs will love the Telfair Museum, the oldest museum in the south, or the Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Beach lovers can take a drive over to Tybee Island to enjoy a day in the sun or feast on low country seafood at The Crab Shack. Golf lovers can cross the Savannah River and head to Hilton Head, SC for the day. Ghost enthusiast can take a ghost tour around the city in a hurst or enjoy a haunted pub crawl. Literary fans can visit the many places in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil” such as Clary’s Cafe & The Mercer Willams House. Foodies can enjoy countless culinary creations at the many restaurants the city has to offer such as Vinnie Van Go Go’s or the Ole Pink House.  When the sun goes down the fun doesn’t stop! Savanah has an eclectic and vibrant nightlife. Take a walk down River Street after dark and the city comes to life. Make sure you visit Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar while you are out, trust us, you won’t regret it! After all that fun, there is no shortage of awesome places to rest your head. Savannah is full of historic bed & breakfasts, haunted hotels, and budget friendly lodging. You’ll love Savannah! There is so much to do you will be planning your next several weekend getaways to Savannah before your first weekend is over!

Blue Ridge, GA

See where the Appalachian Trail begins and get to know Mother Nature a little better. Blue Ridge, GA is about 100 miles and a short 2-hour drive away. If you are more of an outdoorsy type, then this is the place to go! Downtown is filled with quaint shops, a variety of restaurants, and there is always a festival going on. Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and depart from the 100-year-old station and take a trip back in time through the mountains. Take a scenic hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail and cross the Toccoa River via a swinging bridge. Float along the Toccoa River for a relaxing Summer afternoon. Go horseback riding through the Mountains. Visit one of the many local wineries or breweries the area has to offer. When the sun goes down, hang your hat at a local lodge, bed & breakfast, or a cabin in the mountains. Blue Ridge, GA is full of things to do, but be sure to slow down, relax, and enjoy the scenery, after all, this is a weekend getaway and you will be on Blue Ridge time. 

Asheville, NC

Asheville is an electric city nestled in the Fench Broad River Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  In just under a 4-hour drive, you can tour the Biltmore or eat at one of the many hip restaurants this artsy city has to offer. Take a trip South to Hendersonville to eat at Never Blue and walk the mountain trails. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic drive you will never forget. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy zip-lining through the treetops, bird watching, hunting for waterfalls, mountain biking, fly fishing, and more. City dwellers can sample the many eclectic dining locations throughout the city. We suggest not missing out on the chance to eat at Tupelo Honey Cafe or Sweet Creek Brewing Company. If you appreciate the arts, the River Arts District is an absolute must. There you can view live exhibits, tour galleries, and see real artists at work. After a fun day, you can get your rest at one of the many luxury hotels, cabins, or bed & breakfasts. Asheville is one of those weekend getaways that you will be happy to do again! 

What are you waiting for? Starting planning your weekend getaway to one (or all three) of these exciting destinations! Need pet sitting while you enjoy your trip? Give us at call at 678-665-2213 or visit our website to learn more about our services. 

Written by Julie Gajewski. Julie has been pet sitting and working in the veterinary industry as both a technician and hospital administrator since 1997. She is a pet business consultant and a guest blog writer for pet sitters across the world. She lives in Florida with her husband and furry children, 2 Pugs and 4 cats.

Why you need to hire a dog walker

dog walker

Your dog is a loyal creature. He patiently waits for you to come home from work to give you kisses and cuddles when you walk in the door. However, most evenings the kisses and the cuddles are put on hold for Fido’s much-needed bathroom break. In a perfect world, you could work from home and have time to take Fido on a nice leisurely walk 2 or 3 times a day. But let’s get real for a minute here…ain’t nobody got time for that! The boss needs you to stay late, the kids have soccer practice, somebody’s got to make dinner. That is where a dog walker can make a positive impact on the relationship you have with your canine companion. 

 

A dog walker provides a midday bathroom break

Healthy dogs can often hold their bladder for up to 8 hours. Some can even go longer. Just because Fido has an “iron bladder” doesn’t mean you have to make him hold it all day. Hiring a dog walker to come and give Fido walk midday (and evenings too), break up the time he has to hold his bladder, which makes Fido a happy pooch and you a happy pet parent. Dog walkers are hitting the pavement walking dogs all across the country at all times of the day. Here at Top Dog Pet Sitter, we walk dogs starting at 11:00 am all the way to 2:00 pm and as needed in the evenings to accommodate everyone’s work schedule. 

A dog walker helps keep Fido from getting bored

We all hate being bored. Fido is no exception. While you work the daily grind Fido is at home switching from snoozing on the couch to snoozing on his dog bed. He tosses around a toy or two and enjoys his daily routine of barking at the mailman. It is in the in-between naps and routine that your dog craves attention to break up his day. A dog walker can be your dog’s midday hero showing up just in the nick of time to get Fido outside to sniff all the new and old neighborhood dogs that have cruised by the house since his last walk. After his walk, he can settle into his doggy bed with a smile knowing his favorite person will be home soon to take him for an evening stroll. 

A dog walker provides exercise

Exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you! Fido needs to get in some cardio each day to keep his waistline trim and his heart healthy. But if you are anything like most working adults, getting your own cardio workout in everyday hard enough. Let your dog walker come to the rescue! Dog Walkers are superheroes with leashes. Their job is to exercise your dog. So go ahead and give your friendly neighborhood dog walker a call and hit will be hitting the pavement in no time! 

A dog walker allows crated dogs to stretch their legs

Crate training has saved many dog owners from costly veterinary bills and many a headache. Your dog’s crate maybe his safe haven or the scary place he goes when you leave him home. Either way, he sees it, a good stretch of the legs midday makes his crate time more enjoyable. A midday walk will improve his circulation and keep his joints from getting stiff. Your dog is already getting excited about his potential dog walker as he reads this while longer over your shoulder. 

A dog walker helps prevent accidents from puppies & seniors

Puppies are cute. They make you laugh when they do adorable things, they make you cry when they have accidents. Seniors dogs are so regal. Their loyalty brings a smile to your face, but their lack of bladder control will make you frown. What if there was some magical way for you to go to work and come home to an accident-free home? There is! Dog walkers are like your fairy godmother when it comes to puppies and senior’s pets. They are available to let your dog outside for a potty break or walk while you make that money. They can wave their magic wand and customize a schedule that works best for your schedule, their schedule, your dog’s bladder’s schedule. 

A dog walker provides you with peace of mind

Happy hour with colleagues. A ball game after work. Your daughter has a recital. Boss making you stay late again. There is a pile-up on the interstate. Sometimes life just gets in the way and you have to roll with punches. Fido doesn’t know how to roll like that. He’s on a schedule. A dog walker can give you peace of mind that you do not have to rush home to get him out the door to potty. No need to brush off your colleagues for that evening drink. Catch that ball game with a client. Sit in the front row at the recital. Make the boss happy and stay to finish up that project. Rock out to your favorite songs while sitting in traffic. Just keep calm and call your dog walker! 

When hiring a professional dog walker, be sure to check their credentials! Professional dog walkers are bonded & insured,  CPR First Aid Trained, have a clear background check, and hold other professional certifications and training certificates. 

Let Christina of Top Dog give Fido the midday walk he needs and deserves.  Click here to check out our services page to find out more about our Midday Dog Walks.

Written by Julie Gajewski. Julie has been pet sitting and working in the veterinary industry as both a technician and hospital administrator since 1997. She is a pet business consultant and a guest blog writer for pet sitters across the world. She lives in Florida with her husband and furry children, 2 Pugs and 4 cats.

 

5 Ways to Keep Fido & Fluffy’s Breath Fresh

 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. What better way to celebrate than to learn about 5 ways to keep Fido & Fluffy’s breath fresh. Kisses from Fido are sweet until you get a whiff of stinky dog breath in your face. Fluffy sleeping on your head is sweet, but her fish breath is not! Keep cuddle time and kisses sweet by following these steps to keep your pet’s teeth & gums healthy and their breath fresh. 

 

 

1) Brush their pearly whites!

Number one on our list of 5 ways to keep Fido & Fluffy’s breath fresh is, brush their pearly whites! Bacteria is present in everyone’s mouth. After eating it mixes with saliva, turns into plaque, and settles under the gumline. Over time if not removed by daily brushing, plaque turns into tartar. Daily brushing removes the plaque a helps keep bacteria from building up under the gum line. You can find a variety of pet toothbrushes & pet toothpaste at your local veterinarian. Here is a friendly reminder, make sure you use a toothpaste that is made for pets. Human toothpaste includes fluoride, which is extremely poisonous to dogs.

 

2) Place water additives in your pet’s water to kill bacteria

Number two on our list of 5 ways to keep Fido & Fluffy’s breath fresh is place water additives in your pet’s water to kill bacteria. Additives are easy to use and they kill bacteria and freshen breath when daily brushing is inconvenient. All you have to do is measure out the additive according to the directions and add it to the water in your pet’s water bowl. There are many additives on the market. Check with your veterinarian to see which product they recommend. 

 

3) Give dental chews treats & food to your pet

Number three on our list of 5 ways to keep Fido & Fluffy’s breath fresh is, give dental chews treats & food to your pet. Dental chews come in a variety of shapes and flavors. Be sure to only give dental chews that are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council they include Greenies®, Del Monte Tartar Check® Dog Biscuits, Bright Bites, OraVet® Dental Hygiene Chews, and Vetradent Dog Chews.  Hills Pet Nutrition, Royal Canin, and Purina Veterinary Diets also have prescription foods that assist removing tartar while your pet eats. You can find a list of accepted products from the Veterinary Oral Health Council by clicking here.

 

4) Dental chew toys for Fido

Number four on our list of 5 ways to keep Fido & Fluffy’s breath fresh is dental chew toys for Fido. Dental chew toys can help keep your pet’s teeth clean and keep Fido busy at the same time. There are many differents chew on the market. Kong & Nylabone are some of the more popular options. Just be sure to get a chew that can stand up to Fido’s chewing style. 

 

5) Veterinary dental cleanings and exams

Number five on our list of 5 ways to keep Fido & Fluffy’s breath fresh is veterinary dental cleanings and exams. Tips 1-4 are a great way to keep your pet’s breath fresh and help tartar form forming on their teeth, but only a cleaning under anesthesia at your veterinarian will truly remove all tartar from and bacteria from the teeth and under the gum line. Don’t be fooled by ads for “anesthesia-free dental”. They only cosmetically clean your pet’s teeth and leave the bad stuff under gums which can lead to heart disease & kidney disease. Your veterinarian will do a routine dental exam at your pet’s yearly vaccination appointment and will recommend when a teeth cleaning needs to be done. Some pets will need a dental once a year while others may not. Make it habit to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning every February during National Pet Dental Health month. Your pet will thank you!

 

This blog post was written by Julie Gajewski. Julie has been pet sitting and working in the veterinary industry as both a technician and hospital administrator since 1997. She is a pet business consultant and a guest blog writer for pet sitters across the world. She lives in Florida with her husband and furry children, 2 Pugs and 4 cats.