Your pet can suffer from eye problems just like humans do. At the first sign of a problem it is important to have a veterinarian check your pet’s eyes right away. This can prevent more serious complications.
Common problems include red eye, cataracts, glaucoma, eye tumors, inflammation, defects of the eyelids, discharge, retinal degeneration and other problems.
Red Eye – Both cats and dogs can get red eye. This is when the blood vessels of the conjunctiva (the pink lining of the eyeball and eyelids), sclera (white covering of the eye), or cornea (clear surface of the eye) become enlarged or more numerous. It may also happen when the structures inside the eye become inflamed, with glaucoma (high pressure within the eye) or with other diseases of the eye socket. Irritation from allergies or infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi can also cause red eyes in pets.. Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon what is causing the problem. It is important to keep your pets eyes clean, and to eliminate the cause with appropriate medication.
Cherry Eye – Unlike people, dogs and cats have a ‘third eyelid’ that contains a tear gland and is located in the corner of each eye. Normally this gland is not visible and it helps in the production of tears. This gland can “prolapse” or come out of its normal position and get swollen creating the condition. Cherry eye is not a common occurrence with cats.
Dry Eyes – This term is used describe a condition of decreased tear production. The term technically means “inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva from drying.” When the watery part of the tears is not produced in adequate amounts, the eye becomes inflamed, leading scarring and pigmentation of the cornea and can lead to decreased vision.
Ocular (Eye) Discharge – Ocular discharge is a common symptom of eye disease. Discharge may develop suddenly or gradually. The discharge may appear to be watery, mucus-like, or bloody. The amount of discharge is a good indication of how serious the disease is.
If you notice anything irregular occurring with your pets’ eyes you should call us right away at 727-785-7200 and plan to bring them in to the clinic and get it checked out immediately. Your pet is a s dependent on their vision as we humans are, and they are dependent on you to notice something is wrong. There are scientifically formulated products to keep you pets’ eyes clean
Pet Care Tip – Foods That Are Toxic To Dogs And Cats
Pet Care Tip – Foods That Are Toxic To Dogs And Cats
Who can resist giving tidbits to a soulful pair of puppy or kitty eyes that plead for a bite of what you are eating, despite the fact that some human foods are toxic poison to your pet. The holidays are particularly touchy when your guests can hardly resist sneaking bits of food to your begging pets. While they mean well, it is best to ask that they not indulge your pets right up front so there is no question what your rules are.
Veterinarian Dr. Al Paredes says what you and your house guests don’t know CAN kill your dog or cat. Here’s a list of what NOT to feed your pets.
Foods That Are Most Toxic To Dogs and Cats
Avocados
Avocados contain a very toxic component called Persin to most animals that can damage lung, heart, and other tissue in many animals.
Beer & Other Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages can damage an animal’s liver and brain, and the effects can be deadlier on animals than on humans since they are much smaller than we are.
Nuts
Two types of nuts are especially toxic: walnuts and macadamia nuts. The toxic effects can include vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, the pet starts to develop symptoms such as weakness , an elevated heart rate, an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature.) These symptoms can be even more severe if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts and can lead to kidney failure, and death.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, and it can kill your pet if they eat it in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous because these do not have the extra ingredients used in making milk chocolate which reduces the amount of theobromine in a serving. Giving your puppy a piece of chocolate candy, chocolate cake or chocolate icing could cause him to become ill. It can also cause a dog or cat’s heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly especially if the animal is being especially active after eating chocolate.
Candy and Artificial Sweeteners
Candy, cookies, drinks, gum or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal’s blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.
Caffeine
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, some candies and baked goods or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal’s central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to heart palpitations, restlessness, and even death, depending on how much the animal consumes.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. The toxic effects are cumulative. That means even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
Onions can destroy an animal’s red blood cells and lead to weakness, anemia, and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative as the toxins build up in the system over time.
Raw Yeast Dough
Raw Yeast dough can rise in your pet’s digestive system causing gas to accumulate. This can be quite painful and can even cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. The risk diminishes after the dough is fully cooked because the yeast has fully risen, so pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, the amount should be limited because of the high calories.
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Both raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli that can be very harmful to pets. Also, raw eggs contain an enzyme called Avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), and that can cause skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.
Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!
Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.
Medicine Meant For Humans
A very common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a prescribed or over-the-counter medicine or drug meant for humans. So hide these medicines from your pets as diligently as you would hide them from a child.
Read The Label
Before you decide to give your pet any leftovers that have been processed (like that last few bites of canned beef & vegetable soup) you should read the label. Many processed foods contain high quantities of sodium (salt) and onions or onion powder for flavor. Some can even contain Xylitol or other artificial sweeteners that may be dangerous to your pet.
If you see signs that your dog or cat seems distressed in any way, bring them in to see us right away. You can call us at 727-785-7200 to discuss what you are observing that is causing you concern about your pet
During the hours our vet clinic is closed the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is a good resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.
Don’t put off calling or bringing your dog or cat to the pet clinic if you suspect they have eaten something they shouldn’t. Foods that are toxic to dogs and cats can cause damage quickly, so fast treatment is the best option.
Palm Harbor Vet Confirms His Pit Bull Ate Her Engagement Ring
Hi, I’m Dr. Al Paredes, and I’d like to welcome you to Day and Evening Pet Clinic and tell you an interesting story about one of our clients and a pet Pit Bull puppy that we treated recently.
Well, yesterday we had a young man come in and say that his engagement ring disappeared. He and his wife [to be] had a little debate over where it went, and they finally decided that their young Pit Bull puppy ate it. So he brought him in to get an X-ray.
We took some X-rays and found the wedding ring and we were able to get the dog to vomit the wedding ring out. We gave him a little peroxide to induce that, and he’s a happy man again. He has his wedding ring back, and they are happily engaged once again.
If you like to see the X-ray, I could show you the X-ray.
Here’s the lost jewelry item here in the stomach of the dog [pointing to the X-ray.] We were able to get it out without surgery, and the dog was pretty happy and the owner was very happy, and the fiancé, she was very happy also.
It ended up with a happy ending. It’s kind of a cute story.
If we can be of help to your pet, give us a call at Day and Evening Pet Clinic 727-785-7200. A brief exam can insure that your pet and family remain healthy and happy.
Wishing you and your pet the best of health!
Dr. Al Paredes DVM
Veterinarian in Palm Harbor FL
Pet Health Care – Preventing Pet Parasites
Pets can contract and carry parasites during any time of the year, and those parasites can infect your entire family.
There are two types of parasites: Internal parasites, such as worms, live inside your pet year round; External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can survive the winter months by living inside your home.
You and your veterinarian can prevent the spread of parasites with some simple remedies:
1 – Practice good personal hygiene
2 – Dispose of pet feces on a regular basis
3 – Minimize exposure to high pet traffic areas
4 – Avoid contact between pets and wildlife, and
5 – Visit your veterinarian on a regular basis, and use preventative treatments available at the pet clinic.
Pets are a prime target for parasites because they are the perfect living environment. Your pets’ blood, sweat, and tears are lunch for parasites. Warm furry bodies can serve as a protective home for parasites and can act as a transfer point to another host.
Internal Pet Parasites – Tapeworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, and Roundworms
Almost all kittens and puppies have some type of internal parasite that can affect their ability to absorb nutrients. Unless they are treated promptly, the parasites may damage the lining of the intestinal tract. Tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms are the most common internal parasites.
Tapeworms can get transferred onto your pet through fleas or by eating infected rodents. If you notice your pet constantly licking their anal area, then visually inspect the area and your pet’s stool for bits of tapeworm, which look like rice.
Whipworms live in the large intestine and cause dark diarrhea. If you notice blood in your pet’s stool, collect a sample to take into your veterinarian, because the worms and eggs are only visible by microscope.
Hookworms attach themselves to your pet’s intestinal lining, causing bloody or dark diarrhea.
Roundworms live in the small intestine and can cause vomiting and elements that resemble strands of spaghetti in your pet’s stool. They are easily transmitted to humans, especially children, and can cause serious human health problems, including blindness. Be aware that you or your children may be gardening or playing in an area where a pet with roundworms has chosen as its litter box, making you susceptible to getting roundworms.
It’s a good practice to collect a stool sample each year from your pets and to take your pet to your veterinarian to make sure that he is worm free. Most heartworm medicines available from your vet contain a preventative for whipworm, roundworm, and hookworm, so be sure to follow the recommended dosages.
External Pet Parasites – Fleas, Ticks and Mites
The most common parasites having a celebration party, compliments of your pet, are fleas, ticks and mites. These parasites either live on or burrow into your pets’ skin.
Fleas are really troublesome. They can not only infest your pet, but they can invade and take over your home. Fleas are pretty easy to spot in your pets’ fur and you can easily notice your pets’ scratching as a sign of their discomfort.
If your dog or cat’s skin becomes red and inflames, it could be a sign that your pet is allergic to fleas’ saliva. Cats can become infected very easily because they swallow about half of the fleas on their coats when they groom themselves.
Have you ever thought about trying an old fashioned flea dip? Don’t do it! Those dips can be highly toxic and can cause some severe side effects like seizures, coma, fever, vomiting, and possibly death. Instead, you can easily apply a small amount of a prevention product to your pet’s skin that will kill fleas and keep the adults from laying eggs. Ask us to suggest safe, effective products for your pets, and ask about any specials we have on those products when you visit.
Ticks are another common parasite, especially during the summer. Ticks can be found in almost any climate and they are always looking for a free ride on your pets. They are likely to be around in grassy, damp or wooded areas just waiting to attach themselves to your pets. Tick bites can cause a variety of reactions in your pet including irritation, skin damage, hypersensitivity and even anemia.
Tick bites can also transfer diseases to your pet: the common ones are Lyme disease, tick-borne fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If left untreated, these diseases can cause severe health problems and can also prove to be fatal. Ask us about the common symptoms of these diseases and if your pet is exhibiting any of them, bring them in right away.
The best tick prevention is to check your pet’s skin and fur after spending time outdoors in areas that ticks prefer. Did you know that removing a tick the wrong way can hurt your furry friend. Don’t try to burn it off; you could set your pets’ fur on fire. Instead try loosening the tick’s grip by soaking a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rubbing around the tick. Then use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the head as possible and slowly pull it out. Don’t flush live ticks down the toilet; they can crawl back out. Kill the ticks first before flushing them. The easiest way to kill a tick is to place it in a sealed jar containing alcohol.
Mites are another parasite to keep an eye out for. As a pet owner you are probably familiar with ear mites. If you notice your pet scratching their ear intensely or biting themselves, or a brown or black crust on the outer ear, then your pet could have ear mites.
Another type of mite called scabies burrows into your pet’s skin and lays their eggs. Once the eggs hatch the larvae feed off your pet and behind a secretion that causes severe itching and is highly contagious. That means it is time for a trip to your friendly vet to get that handled fast before infection sets in. Mites are best treated by your veterinarian rather than trying an at-home remedy or an over-the-counter medicine that may not be effective.
Prevention and Treatment of Pet Parasites
Pay close attention to your pet and if you notice any unusual behaviors such as passing diarrhea, vomiting, scratching their ears, scraping their bottom on the carpet, not eating or just not being themselves, it is a sign that something is wrong that deserves a visit to the vet. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, give Dr. Al Paredes a call at Day and Evening Pet Clinic 727-785-7200 to see if we can help. A few preventive measures against pet parasites can insure that your pet and family remain healthy and happy.
Dr. Paredes Discusses Pet Dental Care and Dental Cleaning
According to Dr. Al Paredes at Day and Evening Pet clinic, “The earlier you start dental care and dental cleaning with your pets, the better. We can teach you how to care for your pet’s teeth to prevent problems.”
A dog’s 28 baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by 42 permanent teeth. In cats, the 26 baby teeth will be replaced by 30 permanent teeth. If the baby teeth don’t fall out and the permanent teeth come in under them, it can cause gum irritation and increased tartar formation. Bad breath is often the very first indicator of dental problems.
Up to 80% of pets over the age of 3 years are affected by dental disease with serious consequences. Bacteria formed by dental problems can migrate to, and infect, the intestines, the kidneys, the heart, and even cause joint problems in dogs and cats. You can prevent some of these serious side effects with regular dental cleanings.
“If your pet is over 3 years of age, I recommend scheduling a dental checkup at our clinic. If we determine a dental cleaning is necessary, we can do pre-anesthesia blood work to make sure your pet does not have any underlying problems. We can check to make sure that kidneys liver and blood counts are within an acceptable range,” said Dr. Paredes.
The dental cleaning we perform is similar to the human cleaning you get at your dentist. We remove tartar and check for gum disease, cavities, loose teeth and any abnormal growths.
We offer a special value price on dental cleaning for dogs and cats at our pet clinic in Palm Harbor, FL. Click here to get your discount coupons. Leave a reply if you have a story to tell about your pet’s teeth. With good, regular dental care and dental cleaning, your pet can enjoy a healthy life.