Granada, Nicaragua

As most of you may know, Dr. Duncan was out of the office for a month from January to February.  Where did he go & why? Please read on!

Recently Mrs. Duncan and I returned from a month-long sabbatical in Nicaragua to attend language school.  We felt the desire to spend some time going to Nicaragua to serve on short term missions trips through our church.  We soon realized the critical need for language skills.  We neither one had any Spanish in high school or college.  We felt a language immersion experience would be best for us…so off we went to Granada, Nicaragua.  Granada is a beautiful, colonial town with much Spanish cultural and art influence.

Mt. Conceptioen--Volcano

Nicaragua is a beautiful country as are its people, both of which have been ravaged by political and natural disasters (devastating civil war, catastrophic earthquake of 1972 and hurricane Mitch of 1988) leaving the country the 2^nd poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.  Both the land and the people are healing with the help of international aid.

Wherever I go animals seem to find me….I guess no surprise!  We lived with a Nica family during our time attending the school.  We most enjoyed this time as we got to know the host family and their dog Boteo.  Boteo was a very lucky dog (not just being a Beagle for all you Beagle-lovers!) because he was very fortunate to have this family who loved and cared for him.  Most dogs (and cats) in this culture are considered “throw-away” and of little value.  Sadly, many run

Boteo the Mischievous

the streets plagued with all sorts of maladies….mange, malnutrition, parasites, etc.  I just had to look the other way.

Boteo was a real character!  Boteo was very loving, full of energy and loved to “steal” a shoe or sock and then play keep-away.  Mal perro! Boteo, mal perro!

We are happy to be home and back at the hospital, speaking a little more Spanish than before.  Watch out, I may try my broken Spanish on you!

Have a great day…and, Que le vaya bien…Dr. Duncan.

Our School

Graduation!

“Therefore to this dog will I, tenderly not scornfully, renderpraise and favor: with my hand upon his head, is my benediction said, therefore and forever.” -Elizabeth Barrett Browning, To Flush, My Dog

What a wonderful responsibility we take on when we bring a pet into our lives. With the help and guidance from veterinarians, we provide a loving, safe, and healthy environment for our pets who share everything with us. Our pets see us through marriages, divorces, and the birth of children. Pets endure separation and welcome us back as if we’d been away forever. They are the best pals we have for accepting us as we are.

Pets also help bring us through the losses in our lives. For many of us, our companions are the anchors. We lose a job, we change residences, and we lose friends and relatives through death and separation. The constant is the unwavering love and devotion of a companion animal. One day, that constant will become one of our losses. Now we will grieve because we have lost that companion. Where do we turn? When the kind face and acceptance we used to turn to is gone, where do we go for comfort?

One of the most difficult and important parts of grief and loss is seeking to understand what has happened and that what you are feeling is all right. Your sense of loss may encompass your life and that is all right. You have that right to grieve and you can take as much time as you need. In a busy and demanding world like ours, the trick is to take the time.

You will probably be faced with well-meaning people who feel you should spend a certain amount of time feeling bad and then get over it. No one is able to tell you your time frame for grieving. Only someone who has worked through grief can tell you about the time it takes to heal. Many stages of grief have been described, and none of them are absolute. Generally, the stages are:

1. Shock/disbelief/denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance/resolution/recovery

Ideally, these stages are supposed to progress from stages one through five in predictable fashion. This just does not happen. Be gentle with yourself. Many of us do not go through all stages and almost all of us will be thrown back into and out of these stages before the healing truly begins. With resolution comes perhaps not so much the “getting on with it” as it does the chance to place the memories in a comfortable spot in your life. You may find yourself very close to resolution when a memory or anniversary of your pet’s passing knocks you back into the anger or denial stage. Not only is this understandable but it is also a fact of life. Give yourself time.

Please click here to continue to the full article at Healthypet.com.

Anyone who is lucky enough to have the unconditional love of a dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, goldfish, horse, iguana, and so on—you know that animal deserves your best even if you can’t give it to them everyday. Maybe you wish you would take them for a walk more often, or clean their litter box more often, but life often finds a way of stopping you from doing those things. Still, take the time this month to make a change and give back to your pet and be the best pet parent you can be.

Here are some easy ways to become a better companion to your four-legged friend.

Get you pet spayed or neutered
Backyard breeding, puppy mills, pet stores and irresponsible unplanned breeding are all root causes for the overpopulation of unwanted pets. This overpopulation results in the senseless euthanasia of more 5 million pets a year.

Keep your pet healthy
Your pet’s healthcare should be your top priority to ensure a quality healthy life. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian immediately (within 24 hours) for a thorough physical when you first bring them into your home and annually for preventive care. Always seek veterinary care immediately when your dog is injured or sick.

Get out there and get moving
Your pet, regardless of size, requires plenty of fresh air and exercise. Exercise is a good outlet for pent up energy and will help avoid unwanted behavior some pets display due to lack of exercise. Interacting with your pet is highly recommended as it reinforces the bond you have with them. Remember to bring disposable baggies to pick up after your pet if necessary.

Please click here to continue to the full article!

Careful with Cocktails

Please click here to continue reading this important article!

Humans aren’t the only ones waging a fight against fat.  Man’s best four-legged friends are waging the obesity battle too.

According to the latest veterinary surveys, more than  half our nation’s dogs and cats are overweight.  That means 94 million pets are at risk today for developing crippling arthritis, debilitating diabetes, catastrophic kidney and heart disease, high blood pressure and many forms of cancer.

PHOTOS: Pets Working it Out at Doggy Fat Camp

How can you slim down your supersize pets, keep them fit and reduce their risk of developing many serious diseases?

Ernie Ward, veterinarian, author and the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, offers  these seven tips to help your pet lose the paunch.

1. Calculate Calories – If you don’t know how many calories your pet needs each day, you don’t know how much to feed it. And don’t think you can trust the bag; feeding guides are formulated for adult, unspayed or unneutered active dogs and cats. That means if you have an older, spayed or neutered indoor lap potato you’ll probably be feeding 20 percent  to 30 percent too much if you follow the food’s instructions. Instead, ask your veterinarian to calculate the proper number of calories your pet needs each day.

Another good starting point is to use this formula: Divide your pet’s weight by 2.2. Multiply this figure times 30. Add 70 and you’ve got a good idea of how many calories you should be feeding a typical inactive, indoor spayed or neutered pet. Of course, each pet’s metabolism is different, so be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting a diet.

This much is not healthy!

2. Measure Meals – A pet owner’s single greatest tool in the fight against excess weight is a measuring cup. Too many pet owners simply fill the bowl or guesstimate how much they’re feeding. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has done studies to show that giving as few as 10 extra kibbles of food per day can add up to a pound of weight gain per year for  indoor cats and small dogs. After you calculate how many calories your pet needs, determine how much food you should provide for each meal – and measure it.

3. Tactical Treating - I am not anti-treats. I am anti-junk treats. If you’re going to give your pets extra goodies, make ‘em count. Too many pet treats are calorie grenades laden with sugar and fat blowing up our pet’s waistlines. Choose low-calorie, no-sugar goodies that provide a health benefit. I like single ingredient treats such as sweet potatoes or functional treats that provide a bonus, such as helping to keep teeth clean or promote mobility. Whatever treats you give, be sure to count those additional calories.  Many pet owners feed the proper amount of food but sabotage their efforts by adding one or two snacks throughout the day. As few as 30 extra calories per day means your pet gains more than 3 pounds in a year. Better yet, dogs don’t do division. Break treats into small pieces and divvy them up whenever your pet earns it. Be cautious of guilt-treating – the practice of giving your pet a treat because you feel guilty leaving it home alone. Instead, use treats only as a reward for good behavior. Pets (and people) need to learn to earn extra goodies.

Please click here to continue to the full article at ABC News.com.

By Jillian @ TailsInc.com

With Valentine’s Day [coming up] it’s time to start thinking about what to get your beloved four-legged pals. Show your pup how much you adore them by giving him or her some yummy treats! Check out some of our favorite tasty treats that will surely bet a hit with your furry Valentines:

For the Health Conscious Dog
Whole Life Pet Products Freeze Dried Treats
Whole Life Pet Products has created the first and only USDA Certified Organic Freeze Dried Chicken Treat. It starts with a USDA Certified Organic skinless, boneless chicken breast, carefully sliced into strips, then freeze dried fresh without the use of chemicals, additives or preservatives. The result is a pure, healthy daily snack that you’ll feel good about giving to your favorite pup. Other flavors include beef, turkey, salmon, cod and venison. Treats are made in the USA and from human-grade ingredients. www.wholelifepet.com

For the Dog on the Go
Lickety Stik
Lickety Stik is a new, innovative way to provide a healthy, all-natural snack for your dog. It is a liquid pet treat-to-go in a special container with a roller-ball top that delivers just the right amount of delicious taste your dog will love! Only 1 calorie for every 10 licks makes Lickety Stik also a great option for dogs who are trying to lose some extra pounds. Flavors include Savory Chicken, Braised Liver and Smoky Bacon. www.licketystik.com

(We carry Lickety Sticks in Bacon & Chicken flavors at Michigan Road Animal Hospital @ 96th Street!)

For the Social Dog
Beneful Baked Delights
Does your dog have lots of doggie play dates or spend a lot of time at the dog park? Then these new Baked Delights from Beneful will surely be a crowd pleaser. These baked treats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, flavors and textures sure to win the hearts of all of your dog’s friends. Our favorite variety, Hugs, features a crispy outside with beef and cheese on the inside.

Please click here to continue to the full article brought to you by the folks at Tailsinc.com!

Healthy play habits between kids and family pets don’t always come naturally—children need guidance in interacting safely and respectfully with animals. Luckily the best way to learn how to play nice is to enjoy lots of great games together. ASPCA behaviorists offer some fun, age-appropriate activities that help develop trust and a loving bond between your kids and pets.

Play Time

Arrange play dates for your kids and pets—supervised by you—to help build a mutual respect in the same way that play dates between children create healthy friendships.

Activities

Kids 6 Months To 2 Years Old:

• Your child can lie on the floor and your dog or cat can jump over him.
• You and your child can hide and then call your pet to come find you.
• Young children love peek-a-boo games. Try holding up a cloth so that your pet is concealed. Let your child pull the cloth aside, making your pet “appear.”
• If your pet is gentle, your child can smear his own fingers and toes with peanut butter or a soft cheese product and let your pet lick them clean. (Try this with your fingers first. If your pet’s nibbling is too rough, choose another activity.)
• Children in a high chair, crib or playpen can drop food for your pet to enjoy, but please avoid using animal treats because your child might eat them. It is also ESSENTIAL to avoid using foods that are dangerous to pets. Stick to healthy people foods such as green beans, carrot sticks, apple slices (without seeds), unsalted pretzels and plain, cooked pasta.

Kids 3 To 8 Years Old:

• Your child and dog can race with each other to a designated finish line. If necessary, you can run with your dog on a leash.
• Your child can throw a toy for your pet to retrieve.
• Armed with treats, your child can hide while you stay with your pet. When your child calls out, let your pet go search for him. When your pet finds him, let your child give the treats as a reward.
• If your dog likes to chase water sprayed from a hose or water gun, your child can operate the sprayer or toy gun. While you’re supervising, have your child spray the ground a few feet away from your dog and then rapidly move the stream of water away from her, along the ground. (Watch your dog for signs that she’s not having fun anymore. If she isn’t actively chasing or trying to bite the stream of water, it’s time to stop.)
• Your child can blow bubbles for your pet to catch. You can purchase a bubble toy made especially for dogs, such as the Fetch a Bubble Big Bubble Blaster or the Bubble Buddy^™. These toys produce flavored bubbles that are safe for dogs to ingest. Please do not use regular bubble solution. It can cause mild stomach upset and can sting your pet’s eyes.

Please click here to continue reading the full article.

As Pet Dental Health Month at Michigan Road Animal Hospital is in fullswing, we thought it prudent to share with you the The Dental Care Guidelines as written by the American Animal Hospital Association.  We are offering all sorts of great dental benefits for your pet through the end of February…call us to get details today!

From Healthypet.com–a website for everything pet related by AAHA.

Would you let years go by between visits to the dentist? Probably not! Your pet’s dental health is just as important to his or her overall health as your dental health is to your general health. To help veterinarians and their teams provide excellent dental care for dogs and cats and educate pet owners about the importance of proper dental care throughout their pets’ lives, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has developed the AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Major highlights of these guidelines are covered in this article.

Why Dental Care?

Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. In fact, a recent AAHA study showed that approximately two-thirds of pet owners do not provide the dental care that is recommended as essential by veterinarians. What’s more, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Dental disease doesn’t affect just the mouth. It can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease, which makes it all the more important that you provide your pets with proper dental care from the start. AAHA’s Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats were designed to provide veterinarians and their teams with a working framework for small animal dentistry practice, including dental examinations and cleaning and surgical procedures. Your pet’s dental health isn’t just in the hands of your veterinarian though. Pet owner education regarding treatment options for optimum dental health and the importance of home care are emphasized throughout the guidelines.

Periodontal Disease

Fido’s dog breath and Tabby’s tuna breath aren’t something to be ignored – they could be indicative of an oral problem, and the sooner you have it treated by your veterinarian (and learn to care for it yourself), the sooner you and your pet can smile proudly. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth that takes hold in progressive stages. It starts out as a bacterial film called plaque. The bacteria attach to the teeth. When the bacteria die they can be calcified by calcium in saliva. This forms a hard, rough substance called tartar or calculus which allows more plaque to accumulate. Initially, plaque is soft and brushing or chewing hard food and toys can dislodge it. If left to spread, plaque can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, causing them to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. As plaque and calculus develop below the gum line, professional cleaning will be needed to help manage it. If the plaque and tartar buildup continues unchecked, infection can form around the root of the tooth. In the final stages of periodontal disease, the tissues surrounding the tooth are destroyed, the bony socket holding the tooth in erodes and the tooth becomes loose. This is a very painful process for your four-legged friend, but these problems can be averted before they even start.

Dental Care at the Veterinary Practice

There are two critical components of your pet’s veterinary dental care: oral examinations and dental cleanings. Veterinary dental care begins at the puppy and kitten life stage. AAHA recommends that veterinarians evaluate puppies and kittens for problems related to the deciduous (baby) teeth, missing or extra teeth, swellings and oral development. As your pet ages, your veterinarian will look for developmental anomalies, the accumulation of plaque and tartar, periodontal disease and oral tumors. Veterinarians can perform a basic oral examination on patients that are awake. However, a short-lasting anesthetic is required in order to provide a complete and thorough examination as well as dental cleanings. The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. AAHA recommends these procedures at least annually starting at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs, and at two years of age for large-breed dogs. The guidelines further recommend the following:

Pre-anesthetic exam — Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your pet. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet to make sure she’s healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s age and general physical condition, your veterinarian may also run blood, urine, electrocardiograph, and x-ray tests to check for any dangerous heart, kidney, or other conditions. Though there is some risk associated with any medical procedure, modern anesthesia is usually safe, even for older pets.

To continue reading the full article, please click here!  

]]> http://www.indyvets.com/2012/02/aahas-dental-care-guidelines/feed/ 0 http://www.indyvets.com/2012/02/your-pets-horoscope/ http://www.indyvets.com/2012/02/your-pets-horoscope/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:00:57 +0000 admin http://www.indyvets.com/?p=2571 The AQUARIUS Pet’s Horoscope (Jan. 21 – Feb. 18)

SYMBOL: The Water Bearer

Have you noticed that Aquarius pets can have two sides to their personality? At times, these pets are known to be very shy, passive and sensitive. On the other hand, they can be very magnetic and demanding with family and friends. Very intuitive, these pets can pick up on body language, behavior and tone of voice to figure out what’s going on at home. They are very curious by nature and seek peace and contentment.

Seasons and Your Sun Sign

Winter : The New Year is an opportunity for Aquarius pets to show off their skills and abilities. They may even achieve many things that were not possible in 2011. Take advantage of this and give your pet the encouragement to succeed in health, exercise and socialization. These determined Aquarius pets will do their best to make you proud.

Spring: Some family members may occupy the attention of Aquarius pets this spring. This may lead to some changes and new challenges at home. Keep your Aquarius pet focused by switching up the environment to be a more lively and active one. Interactive pet toys, a new route on the daily walk, a new cubby for cats — this tactic will provide both mental stimulation and a welcome escape if necessary.

Summer: The Summer Solstice can reward Aquarius pets with some newfound luxuries! To a pet, this could mean many different things: a new car seat? A new shady spot to nap under during the day? Jupiter is in the house, so this can mean new opportunities. Some Aquarius pets may be taking a trip abroad with family. A routine health checkup is suggested for all traveling pets.

Fall: Aquarius pets may experience some rocky times at home this season, particularly in a critter-to-critter or critter-to-human relationship. Navigate this road with your Aquarius pet, making sure to offer extra belly rubs or chin rubs to soothe any anxiety. With the holidays quickly approaching, tension can propel your magnetic pet into a passive pet.

Please click here to continue to the full article on your Aquarius Pet’s Horoscope!