Spring Shedding Season is Arriving, by Dr. Laura Devlin Bacon

Photo by Jon
(Click to see original on Flickr)

Spring Shedding Season is arriving in the southeast and will be coming to a location near you over the next few months! Longer days combined with warmer weather will trigger many pets to start shedding their dense winter coats. Shedding can be particularly severe for some pets, particularly those with thick or double coats, such as shepherds. If you happen to have a Poodle or Mexican Hairless, you will fly through this season without so much as a patch of fur in the road. However, if you have a pet who sheds, this article is for you!

If your pets are anything like mine, you may find yourself reaching for your vacuum and pet hair roller frequently over the upcoming months. I know spring is right around the corner when my lab starts forming little hair tufts in her coat and when I can't seem to run the vacuum often enough to keep up with the hair. I had one client tell me this morning that her dog actually enjoys having the vacuum attachment run loving over his coat to grab that loose fur! While I don't recommend this as a method for you to personally employ on your canine or feline companion, I do have a few helpful tips for you that might make shedding a little more bearable.

1.) You are what you eat: For healthy skin and coat, make sure to feed your pet an excellent quality dog food. Avoid foods with artificial colors and preservatives and by-products. Supplements and diets with omega 3 fatty acids can help promote healthy skin and coats.

2.) For dogs, regular shampooing with a mild oatmeal shampoo or a prescription shampoo (for pets with skin conditions) can help remove loose hair and keep your pet smelling clean and fresh.

3.) Regular brushing will help remove loose hair. The type of brush you choose will depend on your particular pet's coat. Your pet may need a slicker, shedding brush, or a comb to work through mats. Personally, I really love the Furminator for my lab and cats. It is not for breeds with continuous-growing coats, like poodles, and you do need to use it carefully because some pets have very sensitive haircoats and skin, it can be very effective if used properly. I'm always surprised by the amounts of fur that I remove from my pets, but even my cats seem to enjoy the gentle brushings!

4.) Pets with a heavy undercoat or matting may require seasonal grooming to remove mats or to shave the coat.

5.) Lastly, if your pet seems itchy, has fleas or other external parasites such as ticks, or has dander, red spots, or patchy hair loss where you can see the skin, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Hair loss, or poor hair regrowth after shaving, may be due to an underlying medical condition and not due to seasonal shedding.

Unfortunately, there is no magic product or supplement that will end shedding, and be suspicious or products that claim to do so. Perhaps one day we will have a magic cure to end or at least slow the daily hair loss of our furry friends. I often think to myself that the person who comes up with a "cure" for shedding will not only become the richest person in the world but will also enjoy unending appreciation and accolades from pet lovers both near and far.

Written by Dr. Laura Devlin Bacon

Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM DABVP
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Knoxville, Tennessee
drlaura@lapoflove.com
www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Bacon services the Greater Knoxville Area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Luttrell, Maryville, Sevierville, and Dandridge.

Warning to Owners: Don't give these sweets to your dogs! by Dr. Laura Devlin Bacon

Xylitol poisoning in pets is very serious.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute used in many products, including sugar-free gum and mints, chewable vitamins, oral-care products and baked goods, can be highly fatal to your dog if ingested. Xylitol is a popular sweetener in Europe and Japan, and its use as a sweetener in the United States has grown rapidly over the last few years. While xylitol consumption is considered safe in people, dogs are different story altogether.

Xylitol’s ability to cause low blood sugar in dogs has been known for almost 40 years. However, a recent study has found that xylitol also can cause acute liver failure in man’s best friend. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has released its findings from a study of eight dogs that developed liver failure and blood clotting disorders after ingesting xylitol. These dogs had accidentally eaten a variety of products containing xylitol, including cookies, gum, cupcakes, xylitol powder, and muffins. Five of the eight dogs were euthanized or died because of liver failure.

The molecular structure of xylitol

While xylitol causes little-to-no insulin release in people, it does cause a rapid and profound insulin release in dogs. As early as 30 minutes and up to 12 hours after eating xylitol, a dog’s blood sugar can plummet, causing lethargy, vomiting, collapse, seizures, and even death. In addition, some dogs will develop decreased blood potassium and phosphorous levels and increased liver enzymes. In severe cases, massive liver damage, liver failure, and loss of blood clotting abilities can occur, leading to death. The lowest estimated dose of xylitol associated with liver failure is 1 gram per pound – that’s about 5 sticks of gum per 1 pound of dog. However, blood sugar abnormalities can occur with a much smaller amount. Any xylitol ingestion by a dog should be considered potentially life-threatening.

Pet owners: if you are diabetic or watching your diets by using xylitol-sweetened products, please keep them out of the reach of your pets. If your dog consumes even the smallest amount of a xylitol-containing product, it is crucial to seek veterinary treatment immediately. Your dog will need to be hospitalized for at least 24 hours and monitored so that care can be given should his or her blood sugar drop. In addition, supportive care may be needed for the next 72 hours for possible liver damage. Rapid, aggressive treatment is the best way to increase your dog’s chance of surviving this deadly treat.

Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM, DABVP
Canine and Feline Practice

Read more or contact Dr. Bacon:
Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM DABVP
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Knoxville, Tennessee
drlaura@lapoflove.com
www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Bacon services the Greater Knoxville Area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Luttrell, Maryville, Sevierville, and Dandridge.

Blog posted by Vet Mary Gardner

Snort, Snore, Huff and Puff... Cute noises of short-nosed dogs, or symptoms of a more serious health problem?

Are you the owner of a short-nosed, or brachycephalic, dog? The brachycephalic dogs include such breeds as the Boxer, Boston Terrier, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, and Pekingese. If so, or if you are considering adding one of these lovely dogs to your family, then you may wish to speak with your veterinarian about specific breathing problems common with the brachcephalic dogs.

Brachycephalic breeds, with their broad skulls and short muzzles, frequently show some degree of airway obstruction, which is known as Brachycephalic Syndrome, or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Signs of brachycephalic syndrome include mouth breathing, snorting, snoring, gagging and choking. These difficulties can severely affect the affected dogs' quality of life by interfering with play, eating, and sleeping. The airway obstructions responsible for these breathing difficulties become more pronounced when the dog is exercising or is overheated, and because this syndrome often results in chronic inflammatory changes, the syndrome tends to worsen if left untreated.

A recent study by the Royal Veterinary College, published on May 10, 2012 in the journal Animal Welfare, reported an alarming statistic: an overwhelming number of "short-nosed" dog owners do not believe their pets have breathing problems, despite observing severe clinical signs! This study, unfortunately, mirrors what has been my own experience in private practice when speaking with owners of short-nosed dogs.

According to the study, "58% of surveyed owners stated that their dogs did not have breathing problems, despite over two thirds showing difficulties during exercise."

It is important that all owners of brachycephalic dogs know that the breathing noises that they may believe are "normal" for their breed are actually ABNORMAL and indicate airway obstruction. If you own one of these adorable dogs, I would urge you to speak with your veterinarian about evaluating your dog for brachycephalic syndrome. There are many effective treatment strategies for improving the ease of breathing and quality of life for these patients. For this syndrome in particular, it is very important to intervene as early as possible, before irreversible changes occur, to ensure the very best possible long-term outcome for your pet.

Read more or contact Dr. Bacon:
Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM DABVP
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Knoxville, Tennessee
drlaura@lapoflove.com  |  www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Bacon services the Greater Knoxville Area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Luttrell, Maryville, Sevierville, and Dandridge.

Specialized Veterinary Communication Training for Vet Dr. Bacon

Dr. Bacon attends Pfizer Frank Veterinary Communication Training Program

As part of my training to serve as a student mentor for 2nd and 3rd year veterinary students at The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Laura Bacon attended the Pfizer Frank Veterinary Communication Workshop on July 11, 2012.

The Pfizer Frank Veterinary Communication Program is an interactive course designed to help veterinarians improve their client communication skills. The program is based on over 30 years of medical communication research which has shown that shared decision making between client and veterinarian can improve patient outcome while also improving client satisfaction. The course is divided into specific modules and uses a variety of teaching methods, including small group interaction, simulation exercises, brainstorming, and open discussion.

I found the course to be extremely interesting and thought-provoking and I left the workshop excited to put my new skills into practice! While I know I am particularly empathetic and sympathetic for my clients, I have learned new ways to better understand my client's needs and wants and to encourage them to better express themselves. Some particular skills we worked on include the use of empathetic statements (reflecting the emotions displayed by my clients), allowing for reflective pauses to give my clients time to express themselves, and asking open-ended questions, which can also allow my clients the chance to tell their stories without being "led" in one direction or another.

After 12 years of practicing veterinary medicine (wow, has it really been that long?) I can honestly say that I am still passionate about caring for the wonderful animals in my care and the people who love them. If I can further improve my communication skills, I can better care for my furry patients, and continue to strengthen the human-animal bond.

In August, I will attend 2 more days of training and practice sessions for my mentor position at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Stay tuned for future updates!

Laura Devlin Bacon DVM DABVP (Canine / Feline Practice)

Read more or contact Dr. Bacon:

Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM DABVP

Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice

Knoxville, Tennessee

drlaura@lapoflove.com

www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Bacon assists families with pet hospice and in-home euthanasia in the Greater Knoxville Area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Luttrell, Maryville, Sevierville, and Dandridge.

Pet Urine Staining and Odors by Laura Bacon

Urine Staining and Odors

Let’s face it – life is messy! When the unexpected happens, and your canine or feline companion eliminates in the house, are you prepared?

 

Dr. Laura Bacon and her dogs

While I’d like to think my pets have never had an accident in the house, just between us, I will admit that it has happened (shh- don’t tell my husband). Between raising puppies, the occasional indiscriminate eating of who knows what from the yard, the periodic hairball, and living with my special Sydney dog who had chronic kidney failure – my house has taken a little beating over the years.

Because I am also a bit of a neat and clean freak, and now with having a baby and a toddler in our house, proper cleaning is essential to me. I want to remove the urine residue and help sanitize any areas where my pets may have had an accident. Without proper cleaning, it is very hard to remove pet urine odor from carpets, clothing and upholstery. 

Cleaning hard surfaces is straight-forward – wipe up the mess, and then treat the area with an enzymatic product that will break down the urine. The product that I have had the most success with is Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover. 

Here are a couple of links to it:
http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Miracle-Remover-Gallon-gallon/dp/B00008437W

http://www.petodorurineremover.com/

You can get it at many pet supply stores, at some veterinary clinics, or on-line from stores such as Amazon. You can also treat throw rugs and clothes with this by soaking them in the product and then washing well with a good detergent. (I also like Odor Mute C powder that you can mix up as strong as you need and use in laundry etc.)

Treat the hard surface as directed with the Nature’s Miracle. After this step, I like to follow with a good disinfectant, like Lysol, just to be on the safe side. Lysol does need to sit for several minutes in order to properly disinfect – again, read the instructions on your product.

It’s important, when using an enzymatic cleaner, that you use it FIRST, prior to using any type of detergent or cleaner. The detergents / soaps will inactivate the enzymes, rendering in useless. Residues in the carpet can also affect its performance.

For carpets – remove feces if present. If urine, blot up all you can. Then, place a stack of paper towels under something heavy, like a book, and leave over the area for several hours to absorb as much liquid as possible. Follow with your enzymatic cleaner as directed. It may need to be repeated. Use liberally.

You can use a carpet cleaner with plain hot water, also, to dilute out the urine and extract it from the rug.

I like to follow with my Shark steam mop with the carpet feature – blasting the area with steam to help sanitize.

If you are not sure where there might be urine staining, you may want to consider purchasing a black light (ultraviolet light) to help find any urine located in your home. It's a bit like the TV show CSI - you turn out the lights at night and use the black light to look around your home. Check the couch, the carpets, your bed and your clothes. If something glows it is probably animal urine – or who knows what – that should be cleaned.

Here are some links to black lights:
http://www.amazon.com/Stink-Stink-Finder-Ultra-Violet-Light-Flashlight/dp/B00008434W/ref=pd_bxgy_k_img_b

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Solution-11350-Ultraviolet-Detector/dp/B0002XAIP2

Happy cleaning!

 

Post by:

Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM DABVP

Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In Home Euthanasia

Knoxville, Tennessee 

drlaura@lapoflove.com

www.lapoflove.com

(865) 309-5665

Dr. Bacon services the Greater Knoxville Area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Luttrell, Maryville, Sevierville, and Dandridge.

Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

Reverse Sneezing

Does your dog suffer from this condition? CLICK HERE

Reverse sneezing, or pharyngeal gag reflex, is a spasm caused by an irritation of the wall of the pharynx. It is similar to a sneeze, which is caused by an irritation to the nasal passages. While the reverse sneeze can look quite alarming, no treatment is needed, and episodes are self-limiting.

Reverse sneezing can have many causes. Common causes can include allergies, nasal mites, foreign bodies (such as a blade of grass or seed), viruses, masses or infections.

Reverse sneezing episodes can also occur when a dog is sniffing, excited, or pulling on a leash.  Exposure to pollen, dust, smoke, perfumes, aerosols, or other allergens or respiratory irritants may also lead to reverse sneezing in some dogs. 

Dental disease and oral infections can worsen irritation of throat and pharynx / larynx, and may predispose some pets to reverse sneezing. 

I'm often asked about Reverse Sneezing by my clients - What to do when it occurs, and how can it be prevented. I advise my clients of the following: 

• If mild and self-limiting, no treatment or prevention is necessary. If the pet is reverse sneezing, and you want to do something that may be helpful, sometimes rubbing the nose or throat can help to end an attack. 
  
• If episodes are more chronic or frequent, you may want to evaluate your pet's environment for potential irritants, and look for ways to minimize your pet's exposure to dust, allergens, and other respiratory irritants. You may also wish to consider an antihistamine trial, which may help reduce symptoms of allergies.
  
• For severe and recurring reverse sneezing, I recommend a thorough examination of the pet's throat and oral / nasal cavities using a small endoscope. 

Written by:

Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM DABVP

Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice

Knoxville, Tennessee 

drlaura@lapoflove.com

www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Bacon services the Greater Knoxville Area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Luttrell, Maryville, Sevierville, and Dandridge.

Knoxville Mobile Pet Euthanasia Laura Bacon

Veterinary Spotlight

Dr. Laura Devlin Bacon

Our next veterinary spotlight shines on Dr. Laura Bacon from Knoxville, Tennessee (our first vet in Tennessee).

Dr. Laura and Gracie

Dr. Laura was born and raised on a large farm with a marina in Hancock's Bridge, New Jersey. She now resides in Knoxville with her hubby and two boys ages 2.5 yrs and 6 months.

She also has some furry children.  

• Gracie - An Exuberant Black Labrador Retriever who loves life!
• Calaloo - An independent Black and White cat 
• Yellow Cat - a Cat who thinks he's a Dog

Yellow Cat

She earned her undergrad degree from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA and went to vet school at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Her favorite breeds are medium and large breed retriever mixes - pound pups. And if she could own an exotic animal - it would be exotic chickens!

Dr. Bacon enjoys Spending time with family, competitive cycling, running, hiking, reading, gardening, and travel.

The favorite part of being a vet for Dr. Bacon is the simple act of helping an animal in need. "My job is my life's purpose - to be an advocate for those creatures who do not have a voice of their own." she says.

Dr. Bacon has always wanted to be a vet, but if she could be something else.... maybe a professional athlete....or a world traveler.... a wildlife photographer or a Dolphin and Manatee Veterinarian! 

FUN FACTS: 

• When Dr. Bacon was young, she spent time with her Grandfather helping him make a living through crabbing and fishing, and worked on the family farm. 
• The oddest animals she has fostered include a turkey vulture and Fred the opossum.
• She has a certificate in microvascular surgery from Emory Medical School. 
• She worked for a biotech company in Atlanta preparing human tissue for transplant for two years before attending veterinary school. 
• She love manatees and the beach
• She is crazy about her husband and two boys and our furry animal babies.
• She met Betty White when she was a Ballard Scholar for Morris Animal Foundation. 
• She loves chocolate! 
• Dr. Laura and Sydney (her yellow lab mix and best friend who passed last year) spent a summer out west together, and even hiked Pike's Peak. 
• In the midst of collecting National Park Patches for our sons, and hopes to visit all the US National Parks before they are 18. 
• She loves to read
• She'd like to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail and bike across the US in the future.

Read more - or contact Dr. Bacon.....

Laura Devlin Bacon, DVM DABVP

Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice

Knoxville, Tennessee 

drlaura@lapoflove.com

www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Bacon services the Greater Knoxville Area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Luttrell, Maryville, Sevierville, and Dandridge.

Taking Your Cat To The Veterinarian

Has your Cat been to the Vet Recently?

Photo Credit: http://consciouscat.net/

According to recent studies by the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Pet Products Association, the number of feline veterinary visits is declining steadily each year. Compared with dogs, almost three times as many cats haven’t received veterinary care in the past year! Making that number even more alarming is that the number of pet cats far outnumbers the number of pet dogs in the U.S.: there are 82 million pet cats in the U.S., compared with 72 million dogs.

Getting cats to the hospital is often a struggle in itself. Avoiding extra stress during the hospital visit is not only beneficial to your cat but also helpful to your vet’s staff. Believe me, your veterinarian wants these visits to be as low stress as possible for everyone!

Because cats tend to hide sickness, I recommend at least once yearly examinations and periodic baseline labwork diagnostics for every cat under 7, and ideally, twice yearly exams for cats over the age of 7, or for those who are at higher risk of disease (such as obese cats or cats that go outdoors).

Here are some useful tips to help your cat receive regular veterinary care:

1.)   Reduce the stress of transportation

All cats should be transported in a carrier. A couple of suggestions to familiarize your cat with the carrier:

Photo Credit: www.vettechmel.com

·       Leave the carrier out in the house for casual investigation

·       Hide food, treats, or catnip inside the carrier

·       Cover the carrier with a towel in the car and clinic to reduce visual stimulation

·       Consider using a carrier that can be unscrewed and opened by lifting off the top – the cat can be examined while still in the bottom part of the crate, helping him or her to feel more secure. I lovingly call this “Cat on the half shell”!

2.)   Calming your Cat during travel and the vet visit

Some owners ask about using sedatives to “calm” their cats. I typically do not recommend using any sedative before transportation because your cat cannot be properly monitored during the drive, and because sedatives can be unpredictable in their effects. Place an item from home, such as a recently worn t-shirt, into the carrier, and talk calmly to your cat while transporting him/her. 

Cover the carrier. In addition, I recommend using Rescue Remedy, which is an all-natural calming drop that can be given to your cat or placed in the cat’s water prior to transportation. I also recommend using Feliway Spray, a natural cat phermone, on the carrier and towel. The pheromone will help calm your cat safely. Most importantly, it is crucial that you remain calm and relaxed during the trip, and that you do not convey your own stress or anxiety to your cat.

3.)   Once at the hospital

Let the staff you know have arrived. Keep the carrier covered. If possible, place the carrier on a table rather than the floor (if sturdy enough so the carrier will not fall)  – this will make your cat feel more secure. Try to keep your cat separated from other pets, and ask to be placed into an exam room as soon as possible. Once in the exam room, place the carrier on the table, and do not look directly into his/her eyes. Speak soothingly, and stroke the chin and back of neck of he or she will permit affection.

Aggressive or panicky cats can be gently wrapped in a towel during the examination. The restrain can help calm your cat and minimize struggle. It’s important that your vet never “fight” with cats, although sometimes a small amount of restraint is necessary. If your cat cannot be calmed enough for a good physical exam, and is in good health, it’s possible a small amount of isoflurane gas can be used permit handling and examination.

4.)   Home Visits

For especially nervous or naughty cats, arrange a house call visit!

For more information, visit http://www.haveweseenyourcatlately.com/ and remember: Cats need care too! 

Written by Dr. Laura Devlin Bacon

drlaura@lapoflove.com
www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Laura is a veterinarian with Lap of Love. She lives in Knoxville Tennessee and assists families with in-home pet euthanasia in the greater Knoxville area, including Farragut, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Lutterll, Maryville, Sevierville and Dandridge.

Click Here to read more about Dr. Laura Bacon.