Dog Philosophy

I just read this and wanted to pass it along.  I apply it to when I discuss euthanasia with clients that are struggling to decide 'if it's time'.  One thing I always tell owners when they are having a tough time is; 'To remember these are dogs, even if they are also our best friends, our companions, and our family members.  They ultimately want to be dogs and do dogs things.  Whether that be chasing squirrels or asking for that daily rub-down".   And when they can't do those 'dog things' anymore it's time to make one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make.  Please remember to always feel comfortable talking to your veterinarian or vet staff about your questions or concerns about euthanasia.  We deal with this subject often and can help you make the best decision for you and your pet.  Don't worry about sounding too emotional or even the big 'C' (crazy), believe me we have heard and seen it all. So here it is the "Dog Philosophy":

This is for all the dogs.
It is for the Redbone Hound riding shotgun in a pickup truck,
ears blowing in the breeze like Fruehauf mudflaps.
It is for the Chihuahua with the soul of a Mexican Retriever.
It is for the mature dog, well-behaved out of respectfulness, not out of submission.
It is for the younger dog, still on a path to finding the The Way.
It is for the dogs who know the answer to the age-old riddle of why we chase our tails.
This is for all the dogs, who embrace the moment, and greet each day with the confident awareness,
"We. Are. Dogs."
Carpe Canem.

Laundry Detergent Pods

Wanted to pass on some interesting info about those new laundry detergent pods.  They can be toxic to kids and pets.  The pods are attractive to kids and dogs because they are brightly colored and can look like candy.  I find it funny how similar little kids are to dogs...  They both put things in their mouth they shouldn't, they cry when upset, and both have to be potty trained! 

I guess laundry detergent has always been irritating if ingested, causing self-limiting stomach and intestinal upset but its the way the pod is designed that causes the problem.  The detergent is highly concentrated and under pressure in the pods.  When the dog bites into the pod the contents are forcefully expelled and are easily aspirated into the lungs and/or swallowed.  Dogs can have symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, lethargy to wheezing and trouble breathing.  

If exposure occurs the owner, please contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions for decontamination.

Allergy Maps and Testing

So sorry for my long absence, but I just had a baby(human not furry), and it happened a little earlier than planned.  So I am just now emerging from my home and new baby-sleep deprivation.  My little man is 8 weeks old, he's doing great and I'm starting my third week back at work!

I wanted to share an interesting website with everyone. It is Greer's allergy website and their allergy map.  It allows you to pick your location on a map and see what the most common environmental allergens are.  You can also go to Pollen.com from Greer's website and see what the pollen count is for the day and the predominant allergen(today it's Juniper!).

Greer came out with a blood test to help identify what your pet is allergic to.  Most dermatologists agree that the blood test is probably not the best way to diagnosis allergies, intradermal skin testing is the best.  But for some people going to a dermatologist is not an option.  Like in my parents case they don't live in an area that has a dermatologist.  Therefore making the blood test the only option.  My advice is if you live in an area with a dermatologist, go see the expert!  If you don't have one available then the Greer blood test maybe an option.


Intradermal Skin Test

Greer Interactive Allergy Map