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Welcome Wellness in 2023: New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet’s Health

When setting—and keeping—New Year’s resolutions, include your furry pal. Because your pet cannot take their health into their own paws, accept this mission to make 2023 their healthiest and happiest year yet. Read our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team’s pet-centric New Year’s resolution ideas that can help improve your furry pal’s health.

#1: Swap processed treats for healthy alternatives

Take an honest look at your pet’s treats. If they are brightly colored, and loaded with sugar, fat, and calories, switch to healthier options. Keep in mind that treats should only make up about 10% of your pet’s diet, so get the most bang for your buck by choosing treats that are low in sugar and fat. You can also swap your pet’s usual treats for healthy people food. To determine which fresh foods your pet prefers, offer them small amounts of the following:

• Berries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Green beans
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots

When giving your pet fruits and vegetables, stay away from foods that can be hazardous or toxic, such as grapes, raisins, and nuts. In addition, avoid giving your pet foods on this list from the ASPCA.

#2: Brush up on your pet’s dental health

As do many pet owners, you may be inadvertently overlooking your furry pal’s dental health, which has a significant impact on their overall wellbeing. Your pet likely has some breath odor, which is normal, but foul eau de doggy or kitty breath can indicate your pet has painful periodontal problems. Brown, yellow, or gray tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth indicates the presence of oral bacteria, which can travel through your four-legged friend’s bloodstream, attacking their heart, kidneys, and liver. Annual professional dental checkups enable your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s oral health, and perform cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, and treat dental problems. However, daily toothbrushing is also essential to maintain your pet’s dental health. In addition to brushing your pet’s teeth at least three times a week, you can give them Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved dental treats and chews, food and water additives, or dental wipes and rinses.

#3: Challenge your pet’s mind

While you are at work, your pet is home alone and—likely—bored. To help prevent your pet’s boredom when they spend hours home alone, provide them with:

• Treat and food puzzles
• Interactive toys
• Pet sitter or dog walker visits
• Window views
• Wildlife television shows 
• Treat scavenger hunts
• New chew toys

A great way to stimulate your dog’s mind when you are together is to take a sniffari, or a long walk that allows your pet plenty of time to sniff. Sniffing lowers a dog’s heart rate, reduces anxiety, and challenges their mind. 

Provide your cat with plenty of scratching surfaces, climbing posts, and lookout towers. Cats love vertical spaces, and climbing, scratching, and hiding satisfies their many instinctual needs.

#4: Make new pet and human friends

Ongoing positive socialization is important to help your pet remain calm and confident when meeting unfamiliar pets, people, and places. Making new friends and enjoying playdates is a wonderful way for your furry pal to get the mental and physical exercise they need, continuing their socialization experience. If your pet is hesitant to meet four-legged playmates, see if they prefer people’s company. Your pet may like playing fetch or pouncing on a fishing pole-type toy with your neighbor, or cuddling on the couch with one of your distant relatives. If your pet is more social, take them to pet-friendly neighborhood spots, such as restaurants, bars, parks, and other local hangouts where you both can meet other pets and their people. This enrichment is a great way to continue socializing your four-legged friend.

#5: Schedule your pet’s wellness care

Healthy pets’ annual and seniors’ biannual wellness exams are the best way to monitor your furry pal’s health. Your pet’s regular wellness care enables your veterinarian to monitor your four-legged friend’s health trends and patterns, allowing them to spot abnormalities before they cause serious issues. During these wellness visits, our team performs many preventive care tasks, including:

• Administering lifestyle-appropriate vaccinations to prevent infectious disease
• Screening for and treating parasites and vector-borne illnesses before they cause health issues
• Running screenings to diagnose early-stage disease before a condition causes illness
• Discussing your pet’s diet, behavior, and grooming 
• Making recommendations to improve your pet’s health and happiness

Your four-legged friend’s regular wellness exam should top your resolution list every year. Give our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team a call to schedule your pet’s wellness visit.

What Diseases Do My Pet’s Vaccines Protect Against?

Throughout the last century, vaccinations have made an immeasurable impact on human and animal health by preventing or minimizing common infectious and—often deadly—diseases. Vaccines train the immune system to recognize an inert (i.e., neutralized) virus sample, and develop protective antibodies against the disease. The immune system will then be able to deploy these antibodies quickly if the human or animal is exposed to the virus.

To bolster your dog’s or cat’s defense against transmissible disease, our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center veterinarians recommend routine vaccination, including booster shots. Learn which diseases core (i.e., essential) and elective (i.e., nonessential) vaccines protect your pet from contracting. 

Canine vaccinations

Core vaccinations protect your dog—and people and pets with whom they interact—from the most prevalent life-threatening infectious diseases. Dogs’ core vaccinations include:

• Parvovirus — Incompletely vaccinated puppies and young adult dogs commonly contract this highly infectious disease, which attacks the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and white blood cells. Parvovirus is a common and hearty pathogen that can survive months or years in the environment or on objects. Your dog can contract parvovirus through direct contact with an infected animal or their bodily fluids, or by coming in contact with contaminated objects or soil. Because of parvovirus’s widespread damage, the virus is often fatal without aggressive treatment. To treat an infected dog’s severe dehydration, nausea, and nutrient depletion, hospitalization is required. 
• Distemper — Your dog can contract the canine distemper virus via an infected dog’s  respiratory droplets. The virus infects multiple body systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, blood, and nervous systems. Infected puppies and dogs may experience fever, respiratory discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurologic signs (e.g., muscle twitching, seizures). Distemper is considered incurable, and can be fatal. However, mild canine distemper cases may resolve with hospitalization.
• Adenovirus (canine hepatitis) — Adenovirus attacks an infected dog’s blood vessel lining, liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs, and they experience high fever, congestion, immune system destruction, corneal damage, and decreased blood clotting that can result in spontaneous bleeding. If they recover, infected dogs may shed the virus in their urine for up to six months. Although widespread vaccination has reduced disease prevalence, adenovirus continues to be a potentially fatal threat to unvaccinated or immunosuppressed dogs and puppies.
• Rabies — Because of its near 100% fatality rate and its transmissibility to humans, the rabies virus is considered a worldwide public health threat. The virus enters an infected dog’s peripheral nerves and travels to the salivary glands. You and your dog can contract the rabies virus after being bitten by an infected dog whose saliva transmits the disease.  Rabies produces severe neurologic signs (e.g., temperment changes) that may include aggression or excitability, and muscular paralysis that spreads from the body to the neck, throat, and jaw. Although humans infected with the rabies virus usually receive a vaccine series, no treatment or cure exists for humans or animals—making pet vaccination essential.

Elective vaccines protect dogs from viruses they may encounter in the places they frequent, such as boarding and grooming facilities, or because of their age, health status, exposure risks, and lifestyle. Nonessential vaccines may include:

• Canine influenza 
• Bordetella (i.e., kennel cough)
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme disease

Cat vaccinations

As with dogs, unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated kittens and cats are the most vulnerable to viral disease infection. If your cat was found as a stray, they likely have no vaccine history, and should complete the core vaccination series to ensure they have adequate protection from these heartbreaking diseases. Our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team recommends your cat receive the following core vaccines:

• Panleukopenia (feline parvovirus) — Like canine parvovirus, feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and lethal virus that survives in the environment for long periods. The virus infects adult cats’ bone marrow, lymphatic tissue, and intestinal lining, and young kittens’ brain and retinas. Infected kittens may be asymptomatic, but experience rapid decline (i.e., fading kitten syndrome), or show generalized illness signs such as fever, depression, lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, and diarrhea. Supportive care—including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications—may help. However, panleukopenia fatality rates are high among unvaccinated kittens.
• Herpesvirus (feline viral rhinotracheitis)— Feline herpesvirus is part of the feline upper respiratory complex that includes several other viruses. Cats contract herpesvirus through close contact with an infected cat, or via their respiratory droplets. Signs include fever, conjunctivitis, eye or nasal discharge, sneezing, and nasal and oral inflammation—all of which result in inappetence and weight loss. Prognosis is generally good with treatment (i.e., antibiotics, antihistamines), however, infections can persist for weeks to months, or become life-long. Herpesvirus can recur, and a cat’s stress response often triggers relapse.
• Calicivirus — Another feline upper respiratory complex pathogen, calicivirus is nearly impossible to distinguish from herpesvirus because cats have identical signs. Oral inflammation and ulcers are classic calicivirus signs, while other viral strains may include temporary lameness or pneumonia. 
• Rabies virus — As with dogs and humans, the fatal rabies virus enters a cat’s nervous system, resulting in progressive neurologic signs. Free-roaming, unvaccinated cats are especially vulnerable to the rabies virus because they interact with potentially infected wildlife.

Non-core feline vaccines are recommended on an as-needed basis depending on a cat’s individual risks (e.g., outdoor access, multicat home, or frequent boarding or grooming clients). Our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team may recommend your cat receive these non-core vaccines:

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
• Feline leukemia (FeLV)
• Feline bordetella

Vaccinations prevent your pet from contracting deadly diseases. However, a vaccine’s protection is not lifelong, and your pet must receive boosters. Ensure your dog or cat remains protected from disease by bringing your pet to their annual wellness care at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center. Contact us to schedule your pet’s next appointment.

Don’t Let Your Pet Sing the Back-to-School Blues

Summer is winding down, and the kids—most of them—are excited about heading back to school. Unfortunately for your pet, they are among those less than thrilled about the new school year. The many changes that come with the new school year can be hard on pets, who may develop separation anxiety when they suddenly find themselves home alone. Our team at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center lists five common mistakes that you should avoid when preparing your pet to transition smoothly to the back-to-school routine.

Mistake #1: Suddenly springing the new routine on your pet

A new school year means a new schedule and new routines for the whole family—including your pet. Think now about how your pet’s daily routine will change, and start implementing those changes slowly to give them plenty of time to adjust. Start setting the alarm for your children’s school wake-up time, adjust your pet’s mealtimes and bathroom breaks to reflect their new schedule, and increase your pet’s alone time during the day. By making changes now, you can monitor how well they are adapting. 

Mistake #2: Assuming your pet will be fine home alone all day

Don’t simply assume your pet will be happy at home alone, especially if you have never left them for long periods before. And, pets who have happily spent time home alone in the past will need time to adjust after the summer, because they have become used to spending a lot of time with you and the family. When your family heads out for school and work and your pet suddenly finds that they are all alone in a quiet house, the lack of noise, stimulation, and companionship may be hard for them to accept.

To help your pet, start leaving the house, slowly increasing the time you are gone. The first time, simply walk out the door, wait a few minutes, and then go back inside, checking your pet for signs that they are distressed. You might want to consider installing a camera inside your home to see how your pet is handling your absence. Are they barking excessively, crying, or scratching at the door? If so, how long do these behaviors last? If your pet is exhibiting these common separation anxiety signs, they may need behavioral training or medication, depending on the severity. 

Mistake #3: Skipping your pet’s daily walks

Exercise is important not only to your pet’s health and wellbeing, but also has the added benefit of tiring them out, and a tired pet will feel much calmer and is far less likely to be destructive while home alone. Set up an exercise routine for your pet that fits into the new family schedule, ensuring your pet gets at least 30 minutes of activity each day. If possible, walk your pet in the morning to help them stay calm when you leave, and again in the afternoon. If you do not have time to squeeze in walking your pet, consider hiring a dog walker or taking your pet to doggy daycare. Adequate exercise and stimulation is vital for your pet, no matter how busy your family gets. 

Mistake #4: Making a fuss over leaving your pet

Do you feel overwhelmed with guilt at the thought of leaving your pet for the day? If so, try to keep your feelings to yourself. If you shower your pet with treats, pets, and profuse apologies for leaving, your pet will pick up on your distress and mirror your anxiety. Instead, calmly head out without making a big deal about saying goodbye. If you keep your emotions in check, your pet likely will calmly accept your exit. Similarly when you return home, avoid excited greetings  the second you walk through the door and greet them only when they are calm. 

Mistake #5: Leaving your pet with nothing to do

A bored pet will find ways to entertain themselves during the day—and you may not like what they do. Suddenly the couch pillows become stuffed toys, the cat gets dragged into a game of chase, and the trash can becomes a treasure chest that must be explored. To avoid coming home to a complete mess, leave your pet with plenty of appropriate toys that will keep them entertained. Keep your dog busy with interactive toys or treats, such as a Kong filled with frozen peanut butter or kibble “hidden” for them to find. Don’t forget about the cat—sprinkle catnip on their favorite toy, or hide a few “prey” treats for them to hunt.

Be patient with your pet as they adjust to the back-to-school routine, and ensure you or other family members spend quality time with them every day. If your pet is struggling with the new routine, our team at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center can help with their separation anxiety. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss how we can alleviate your pet’s stress.

Keeping Your California Pet Cool

Hot weather can be extremely dangerous for pets, who can’t cool themselves as efficiently as humans, putting them at increased risk for heatstroke. Our team at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center wants to help by explaining how the heat affects your pet, and steps you can take to safeguard them in the California heat.

Your pet’s cooling system

When we overheat, sweat glands all over our body produce sweat. As this moisture evaporates, heat is drawn from our skin, causing cooling. Pets not only have few sweat glands, but most are located in their footpads, so they have to rely on other—less efficient—cooling methods, instead of the human cooling process. These methods include:

• Panting — Panting is the main way pets cool themselves. The open-mouth breathing evaporates the moisture on the pet’s tongue and lung tissue, and draws heat from their body. 
• Radiation — Blood vessels in the pet’s face and ears dilate, causing blood to flow more closely to the skin surface, so the heat can dissipate into the environment.
• Conduction — Pets lie on their sparsely haired abdomen on a cool surface to transfer body heat to the surface.

Heat’s effects on your pet

Your pet’s normal body temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees. If strenuous exercise or increased environmental temperatures, and the absence of adequate cooling methods, cause your pet’s temperature to rise above 104, they are experiencing heatstroke. This condition is considered a veterinary emergency, because the heat causes inflammation throughout the pet’s body and affects systems that include:

• Cardiovascular — Initially, your pet’s heart rate will increase and their peripheral blood vessels will dilate in an effort to dissipate their body heat into the environment, but when these measures are unsuccessful, the heart cannot pump blood throughout the body, resulting in low blood pressure and shock.
• Pulmonary — Direct lung tissue damage causes respiratory distress.
• Kidneys — Direct kidney cell damage from the heat and dehydration cause kidney failure.
• Gastrointestinal — Gastrointestinal lining injury causes bacteria to leach into your pet’s bloodstream.
• Nervous system — Brain cell damage causes cerebral swelling, bleeding, and cell death.
• Coagulation — In severe cases, a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) can cause bleeding throughout your pet’s body.

Heatstroke signs include excessive panting and drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, weakness, mental dullness, diarrhea, collapse, and seizures. Pets whose temperatures go above 109 degrees, and whose temperature remains elevated for an extended time period, have a poorer survival prognosis.

Pets at higher heatstroke risk

While all pets are susceptible to heatstroke, some are at higher risk, including:

• Brachycephalic pets — Flat-faced pets (e.g., pugs, Boston terriers, bulldogs, and Persian cats) have less surface area in their mouth, so their panting is less effective, putting them at higher heatstroke risk.
• Obese pets — An overweight pet’s extra fat layers act as insulation, inhibiting their body’s ability to cool down.
• Senior pets — Senior pets can’t regulate their body temperature as well as young pets, putting them at increased risk.
• Puppies and kittens — Puppies and kittens haven’t developed the ability to properly regulate their body temperature, and they are also high energy, putting them at higher risk.
• Ill pets — Pets who have a health condition such as heart disease or a thyroid condition are also at increased risk.

Steps to safeguard your pet from heatstroke

You can protect your pet from heatstroke by following these steps:

• Never leave your pet in the car — Pets should never be left in an unattended vehicle, because temperatures can skyrocket on warm days, and parking in the shade or leaving windows cracked doesn’t prevent the temperatures from reaching dangerous levels.
• Hydrate your pet — Ensure your pet has access to several fresh water sources, and take water and a bowl when you go out, so your pet can drink when needed.
• Avoid strenuous exercise — Limit your pet’s outdoor activity on hot, humid days, and take frequent breaks in the shade to allow them to cool down.
• Leave on your air conditioner — Leave your house with your shades drawn and your air conditioner running to ensure your pet stays cool.

Pet first aid for heatstroke

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, steps you should take include:

• Find a cool area — Move your pet to a cool area that is out of the sun and well-ventilated.
• Offer your pet water — If your pet is conscious, offer them water to drink. Don’t attempt to pour the water in their mouth, which could lead to aspiration pneumonia.
• Cool your pet — Use tepid water or wet towels to cool your pet—never use ice or ice water, which can lead to shock.
• Seek veterinary care — Get your pet to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. If their signs subside once you start cooling, they should still be evaluated by a veterinary professional to ensure they sustained no internal damage.

Ensuring your pet stays cool in the California heat is important to protect them from heatstroke’s dangerous effects. If your pet overheats, contact our team at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center, so we can get them the care they need.

5 Ways to Soothe Your Pet’s Allergies At Home

Allergies affect pets and owners alike, and you may feel that you have no sooner calmed one allergic reaction when another pops up. Follow our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team’s recommendations to manage your pet’s allergies and minimize flare-ups to ensure their year-round comfort. By maintaining your pet’s regular treatment regimen and implementing our suggestions, you may reduce their allergy issues’ severity and frequency.

#1: Clean your pet’s ears regularly

Many allergic pets suffer chronic ear infections that begin when the allergic reaction causes a histamine release, inflaming their skin. Pets’ ears are a prime inflammation target because of their warm, moist environment, and numerous folds and creases. The inside of the ear flap can become a reddened, irritated mess that is the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Without proper treatment, these pathogens can become drug-resistant or move further into the ear, making treatment more challenging, so regularly use a cleaner formulated to eliminate bacteria and yeast in your pet’s ears. In addition, routine ear cleanings allow you to monitor your pet’s otic health, and to catch inflammation and infection signs early. 

#2: Eliminate your pets’ environmental allergens

Pets’ environmental allergies flare up when they walk on, lie on, or inhale their allergen. Pollen and dust most commonly cause atopy (i.e., inhalant allergies), which you can reduce by regularly vacuuming your home, frequently laundering your pet’s bedding and your linens, and running an air purifier. Before heading out for a play day with your pet, check the pollen counts, and stick to indoor activities if the pollen count is high. In addition, remember to wipe down your pet’s paws and coat to remove pollen when they come inside after being outdoors.

#3: Evaluate your pet’s diet

Although pets rarely have true food allergies, a diet evaluation can be beneficial for all allergic pets. If your allergic pet eats a colorful kibble, switch to a food that has no food coloring or artificial ingredients. To boost your pet’s skin and coat health, give them an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Other oral or topical skin supplements may also improve your pet’s skin barrier. 

If your pet has a true food allergy and is showing allergy signs, they may need a different diet (e.g., limited ingredient, novel protein, hydrolyzed prescription). If your pet continues to have allergy signs after changing their diet, they may be allergic to more than one allergen.

#4: Keep your pet on year-round, high-quality parasite prevention medication

A handful of fleas can cause a pet with flea bite allergies to become an inflamed, itchy mess.  However, flea bites can irritate pets who are not allergic, leading them to scratch already-damaged skin. Help your furry pal stay comfortable by administering high-quality parasite prevention medicine year-round, including during the winter, eliminating fleas and ticks before they bite your pet. 

#5: Adjusting your your pet’s allergy treatment

Pets’ allergy treatment options are continually improving and increasing. Did you know that as your pet ages their allergies often change, making their routine allergy treatment protocol ineffective? Fortunately, new allergy treatment options may be available, or combined in a different way to achieve optimal efficacy to successfully manage your pet’s allergies throughout their lifetime. Give your Harbor Pines Veterinary Center veterinarian a call to discuss the possibility of adjusting your pet’s allergy treatment that is no longer soothing their allergy signs. 

By implementing our pet allergy control recommendations, you can help keep your pet comfortable throughout allergy season and year-round. Contact our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team for assistance in managing your itchy pet’s allergies.

Microscopic Menaces—Flea and Tick Prevention for Pets

Fleas and ticks are sneaky—and disgusting—threats to your pet’s health and comfort, as well as your own. These blood-sucking parasites will happily feed on creatures both furry and flesh, potentially transmitting dangerous diseases. Protect your pet—and your entire home—from these microscopic menaces with year-round flea and tick prevention from Harbor Pines Veterinary Center. 

Small bugs, big deal—flea and tick hazards for pets

Fleas are tiny, flat, wingless insects capable of imperceptible speed and supernatural jumping. Ticks, on the other hand, are slow moving spider-cousins, who range in size from a tiny seed tick to a round, engorged adult. While you won’t be inviting this odd couple for a dinner party, and they certainly don’t look capable of mass destruction, they will likely come uninvited, and both can unleash discomfort and disease with their bite.

• Fleas — Flea bites are irritating to pets and people. The flea’s prolific reproductive abilities mean that one flea quickly leads to an infestation—adult female fleas can lay 40 to 50 eggs per day in the pet’s environment. Every generation of young fleas can mature and return to the pet—or you—to feed, and grow the population stronger. In addition to annoyance and irritation, the most common flea health hazards include:
  • Tapeworms
  • Tularemia
  • Murine typhus
  • Bartonella
  • Cat scratch disease
  • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is a hypersensitivity reaction to a protein in flea saliva—one flea bite can trigger intense itching, discomfort, and secondary bacterial skin infections

• Ticks — Ticks are heat-seeking arachnids that must feed on a host organism at each life stage. Before a tick attaches to your pet, they may have previously fed on a squirrel, deer, or possum, and picked up infectious bacteria. Common tick-borne conditions include:
  • Tick paralysis
  • Lyme disease
  • Anaplasmosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Parasitic diseases can be crippling and significantly impact your pet’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, transmission of these harmful pathogens can be prevented with year-round flea and tick preventives.

Every pet, every time—indoor and outdoor pets need parasite protection

All pets, including those who live strictly indoors, should receive regular flea and tick preventives. Parasites don’t wait for an invitation, and will often enter a home on the back of an indoor-outdoor pet, clothing, or shoes. Fleas can jump on a dog or cat, and ride along unseen, disguised by the pet’s thick fur. Although ticks rarely leave a warm-blooded host after they’ve climbed on, they may disembark and travel across your couch or carpet to a vulnerable indoor-only pet.

Unprotected indoor pets—especially cats—and are often the source of indoor flea infestations. Because these pets are less likely to receive a thorough once-over, owners may not find attached ticks or flea dirt (i.e., the reddish brown flea waste product) until the population is well-established or has transmitted disease pathogens.

12 months, 12 doses—year-round prevention for pets

Year-round flea and tick prevention is the only way to ensure your pet is completely protected. Because we live in a mild and relatively humid climate, fleas and ticks don’t have an off-season, and pausing your pet’s preventives increases their chances for illness and bothersome bites. Additionally, once you have skipped or forgotten a dose, you are unlikely to remember to resume your pet’s preventive.  

For the best protection, set a recurring reminder on your phone or your calendar, and dose your pet according to the product directions (i.e., every one or three months). 

The best offense—selecting preventives for your pet

The pet flea and tick preventive market is bigger than ever, and available products vary greatly in their efficacy and safety. The Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team can provide you with recommendations to match your pet’s needs, as well as your own preferences. Products are available in topical and oral formulations, and can provide protection from 30 to 120 days. 

Keeping bugs at bay—at-home pet care tips

Although some preventives include a repellant, most oral medications kill fleas and ticks only when they bite your pet. While the preventive’s speed-of-kill is fast enough to prevent disease transmission, checking your pet for visible parasites and maintaining a clean environment is still important for comprehensive protection.

• Perform a tick-check — Give your pet a thorough once-over after outdoor activities. Carefully remove any attached ticks with tweezers, as explained here.
• Regular grooming — Routine brushing and combing allow you to check for live parasites, skin irritations, and flea dirt.
• Launder your pet’s bedding — Wash bedding weekly in hot soapy water to kill any parasites or eggs. 
• Maintain your yard — Keep your grass trimmed and remove leafy debris, to discourage ticks and wildlife from hanging around your home.
• Infestation? — Don’t panic! If you find evidence of fleas on your pet or in your home, contact Harbor Pines Veterinary Center. We can provide helpful resources for eradicating fleas from the environment, and evaluate whether your pet’s current prevention plan is adequate.   

Fleas and ticks are ubiquitous, but that doesn’t mean they have to make our pets miserable. Protect your pet and avoid unnecessary discomfort and disease with a convenient and safe veterinary-recommended parasite prevention plan. If you have additional questions about fleas and ticks, or for a personalized preventive recommendation for your pet, contact the veterinary care experts at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center.

7 Fast Facts About Heartworm Disease and Prevention in Pets

Heartworm disease is a potentially life-threatening infection currently affecting at least one million pets in the United States. Despite the availability of safe, convenient, and effective prevention, heartworm disease is more widespread than ever, and is now endemic in all 48 continental states. 

Learn how to protect your pet from this unrelenting threat. Here are seven fast facts every pet owner should know about heartworm disease and prevention in pets.

#1: Heartworm disease is transmitted to pets by mosquitoes

When mosquitoes bite and feed on a dog, cat, or wild mammal infected with heartworm disease, they ingest the larval stage of Dirofilaria immitis—a blood-borne parasite. Once inside the mosquito, Dirofilaria immitis progress to their infective stage. When the mosquito takes their next blood meal from your pet, the infective larvae are transferred through the bite wound to your pet. The larvae then move through the tissues and slowly migrate toward their final destination—your pet’s lungs and heart—where they mature into adult worms over the next six months, with females reaching up to 14 inches long.

#2: Heartworm disease is deadly but preventable in pets

Once an adult infection is established, the worms severely damage the heart and major lung vessels by creating intense inflammatory reactions and altering normal function. These changes to vessel and heart chamber walls, as well as the worms themselves, over time create resistance to normal blood flow and heart muscle contraction, ultimately leading to deadly consequences, including:

• Congestive heart failure — As the heart muscle weakens, fluid backs up into the lungs and abdomen.
• Caval syndrome — This condition, which is also known as cardiovascular collapse, occurs when the worms form a blockage in the heart. Death may be rapid, especially if the blockage happens during exercise. 
• Worm embolism — Worms or worm segments may form a blockage in the major vessels and obstruct blood flow. 
• Sudden death — Cats may experience a fatal reaction to immature worms in their respiratory system.

These emergencies are easily avoidable with consistent year-round heartworm prevention dosing and yearly screening tests at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center. Heartworm prevention is available as 6- or 12-month injections for dogs, and once-monthly chews or liquid applications for dogs and cats. When given as directed, veterinarian-prescribed heartworm prevention has an almost 100% efficacy rate—however, only a single missed dose allows heartworm disease to take hold, so vigilance is required.

#3: Heartworm disease may go unnoticed until your pet is in late illness stages

Early stage heartworm disease is almost impossible to identify. Dogs may experience mild signs, while cats may have no visible signs during the entire infection. Signs for either species can seem vague and non-specific to many owners, but should always be investigated by a veterinarian. Early signs in dogs may include:

• Persistent cough
• Reluctance to exercise
• Fatigue after mild exercise
• Weight loss or changes in appetite

Because cats experience heartworm disease differently, their clinical signs are more misleading—and may not be apparent at all.

#4: Cats can get heartworm disease, but differently

Unlike dogs, cats are not natural heartworm disease hosts, so the heartworm life cycle is not assured. Cats can rid their body of circulating immature heartworms (i.e., microfilariae), so despite an infective mosquito’s bite, true infection and disease may not occur. However, if a few microfilariae escape the cat’s defenses and mature to adulthood, the cat will experience heartworm disease. 

Clinical signs in cats are often nonspecific, or can mimic respiratory disease, making diagnosis a challenge. Signs may include:

• Cough or wheezing
• Increased respiratory rate
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Collapse
• Seizures

Many cats show no signs at all or, because of a sudden obstruction in their heart or lungs, the first sign may be sudden death. 

#5 Heartworm disease treatment is available only for dogs

If your dog tests heartworm disease-positive, treatment is available—but does come at a cost. Canine heartworm treatment is expensive, the recovery process is lengthy, requiring four to six months of strict crate rest, and serious side effects can occur as the worms die off.

Unfortunately, no safe treatment is available for cats, although medical management can help keep your cat comfortable for as long as possible. With dedicated veterinary-supervised care, cats can outlive their heartworms, which only live about two to three years in cats.

#6: Prevention is the safest and most affordable option for your pet

Without a doubt, heartworm prevention prescribed by your pet’s veterinarian is the best way to ensure their protection against this devastating disease—and for cats, the only way. Prevention is available in monthly oral or topical treatment for dogs and cats, and 6- or 12-month injections for dogs. With so many products on the market, you can easily feel overwhelmed, but our veterinarian can make specific recommendations that will suit your pet’s age, breed, and individual preferences. 

#7: Year-round dosing and annual testing are essential for pets

Heartworms don’t take a winter vacation, so while you may see fewer mosquitoes during the cooler months, year-round dosing is necessary to prevent a surprise infection. Annual heartworm screening tests at your pet’s yearly visit can help us identify early disease or—ideally—ensure your prevention plan is working.

Help us break the hold of heartworm disease on pets—call Harbor Pines Veterinary Center to schedule your pet’s heartworm screening test, or to discuss preventive options for your pet.

When Slowing Down Is More Than Old Age: Arthritis 101 in Pets

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in dogs, and affects roughly 20% of the total canine population. Arthritis often goes undiagnosed in cats, largely because performing an orthopedic examination is difficult, and because many cat owners don’t realize their cat is suffering from arthritis pain. Whether or not your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis, knowing what causes this degenerative joint condition, and its prevention, is important for your four-legged friend’s future health, happiness, and mobility.

What is arthritis in pets?

Arthritis in pets is painful joint inflammation caused by progressive cartilage degeneration. In normal joints, the cartilage acts as a shock absorber, and prevents the two bone surfaces from rubbing. In arthritic joints, the cartilage deteriorates because of repetitive stress, trauma, disease, or normal wear-and-tear. As the bones begin rubbing together, their surfaces become rough, grind against each other, and cause more pain and inflammation. Arthritis is most frequently seen in the hip, elbow, knee, wrist, and lower back, but can occur in any joint. 

Are some pets at a higher risk for arthritis development?

While any pet can develop arthritis, certain factors can increase the likelihood of occurrence. If your pet falls into one of the following categories, or has one of the following conditions, they may be more likely to develop arthritis:

• Overweight or obese
• Large or giant breed
• Long-bodied with short legs
• Extremely active
• History of trauma (e.g., fractured leg, cranial cruciate ligament rupture)
• Hip or elbow dysplasia
• Luxating patellas
• Joint infections

What are arthritis signs in pets?

Arthritis signs in pets can be subtle until the disease progresses far enough to cause significant pain and mobility issues. If your pet has developed arthritis in one or more joints, you may notice:

• Reluctance to play
• Lethargy
• Sleeping more
• Limping or lameness
• Decreased appetite
• Pain when touched
• Licking, chewing, or biting at the affected area
• Muscle atrophy
• Difficulty getting up
• Reluctance to use stairs or jump on furniture
• Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate
• Inappropriate elimination

Pets typically do not yelp, whine, or cry out when they have arthritis pain. They’re often stoic and do not voice any discomfort, so watch carefully for changes in your pet’s behavior and mobility. 

How is arthritis in pets diagnosed?

The key to successful arthritis management in your pet is an early diagnosis. Understanding the disease process and its effect on your four-legged friend will help you provide the best care for them as they age. 

If Dr. White suspects your pet has arthritis, he will perform an orthopedic exam in addition to a standard physical exam. By assessing your pet’s gait and range of motion, he can determine which problem areas are painful. Blood work and tick-borne illness testing may also be necessary, to rule out infections that could be causing your pet stiffness and decreased mobility. In some cases, X-rays or advanced imaging performed at a specialty hospital may be needed, to assess soft tissue structures (e.g., ligaments, menisci) and bone changes in the joints. 

How is arthritis in pets treated?

Since arthritis in pets is a progressive condition, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. The disease cannot be cured, but can be managed successfully, granting your pet a good quality of life. Arthritis management options include:

• Pain-relieving medications — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are often the first line of defense for arthritis pain relief. Other options may include steroids or opioids, but many pets do well with long-term NSAID use. However, these medications can have side effects, so close monitoring of your pet’s health is essential.
• Surgery — If your pet has a torn cranial cruciate ligament or suffers from hip dysplasia, orthopedic surgery can repair or correct the problem.
• Weight management — One of the best ways you can help reduce your pet’s arthritis pain is by managing their weight, starting from a young age. Each additional pound over your pet’s ideal weight contributes a great deal of excess pressure on sore joints.
• Appropriate exercise — Daily exercise is crucial for keeping muscles strong, but arthritic pets often no longer feel like exercising and playing. Stick to low-impact activities, like swimming or walking, to avoid too much strain on painful joints. 
• Joint supplements — High-quality joint supplements that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel, are great for reducing joint inflammation and supporting joint cartilage health. These products are best started early in the disease process, or as a preventive measure.
• Alternative therapies — Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy, are an effective complement to traditional Western surgical and pharmaceutical treatments. 

Multimodal treatment is the best, most effective method of managing your pet’s arthritis. As the disease progresses, other therapies may become better options for keeping your furry pal comfortable and mobile.

Arthritis is a painful, progressive condition that responds best to early diagnosis and treatment. If you notice your four-legged friend slowing down or struggling to rise, contact Harbor Pines Veterinary Center for an appointment.

What Happens During My Pet’s Professional Dental Cleaning?

People aren’t the only ones who need dental care to support oral health. By age 3, most pets have some form of dental disease, which can have serious negative health effects if not addressed. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is a great way to support their dental health, but your pet also needs regular dental exams and may require professional dental cleanings to prevent periodontal disease and infection from progressing. 

If your veterinarian recommends a professional dental cleaning for your pet, you may have questions and perhaps even feel a bit nervous. That’s why our team at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center is making it our mission to take the mystery out of the dental cleaning process so you can feel good about supporting your pet’s oral health and overall wellbeing.  

What is dental disease in pets?

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen by veterinarians and is caused by oral bacteria that deposit plaque on your pet’s teeth. The plaque hardens into tartar in 24 hours unless regularly brushed away, which makes daily brushing important. The bacteria from plaque and tartar can move below the gumline as well, attacking the periodontal ligaments that anchor the teeth in their bony sockets. Periodontal inflammation and infection eventually lead to ligament breakdown, and the affected tooth roots become infected and loose, causing significant pain for your pet—whether or not they show their discomfort. Additional problems caused by dental disease include:

• Damage to the kidneys, heart, and liver
• Tooth-root infections
• Abscesses

How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?

Most veterinarians recommend that pet owners have their pet’s mouth examined annually as part of their wellness check. A dental exam is about more than ensuring your pet’s teeth are pearly white and their breath smells good. It also gives your veterinarian an idea of your pet’s overall dental condition and provides you the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice about how to provide at-home dental care for them. 

What is involved in my pet’s dental cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning will include the following:

• Pre-procedure medication to help your pet relax — Before general anesthesia, pets first receive medication to help them relax. This reduces the amount of anesthesia needed during the procedure, making the process safer.
• Anesthesia for your pet’s comfort and safety — Pet owners often ask why their pet needs general anesthesia for a dental cleaning. Anesthesia is critical to ensure your pet is safe and pain-free and allows veterinarians to do the following:

• • Ensure your pet is comfortable and still 
  • Prevent debris from entering their airway
  • Access the entire oral cavity
  • Take dental X-rays 
  • Clean below the gumline, where periodontal disease lives

Your pet’s safety is of the utmost importance, and your veterinarian will perform a variety of pre-anesthetic tests, including a thorough physical exam and blood work, to evaluate your pet’s health and screen for conditions that could increase their risk from anesthesia. Based on test results, your veterinarian can formulate a customized plan to prevent your pet from feeling any pain or anxiety, while keeping them as safe as possible during their dental cleaning. 

• Dental X-rays of your pet — After your pet is asleep and attached to monitoring equipment, full-mouth dental X-rays are taken. As much as 60% of your pet’s tooth structure lies below the gumline, and X-rays allow veterinarians to detect underlying problems, such as abscesses, fractures, bone loss, and root resorption. By reviewing your pet’s dental X-rays and examining their mouth, your veterinarian can note periodontal issues and create a customized treatment plan for your pet.
• Scaling away plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth — Sticky plaque begins to form on your pet’s teeth hours after eating and can harden into cement-like tartar. The cleaning portion of your pet’s dental procedure involves scaling (i.e., the thorough removal of plaque and calculus from the tooth crown, as well as below the gumline.) After scaling, any rough enamel imperfections are polished to ensure the tooth surface is smooth.

• Extracting any of your pet’s diseased teeth — Pets often need teeth extracted to remove an infection source or a painful fractured or decaying tooth. If extractions are necessary, your veterinarian will notify you. Once you give your approval, your veterinary team will use nerve blocks and pain medications to keep your pet as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
• Debriefing to support your pet at home — After your pet’s dental cleaning and recovery period (during which your pet’s vital signs are monitored as they awaken from the anesthesia), your veterinarian will explain what took place, and what you should do to continue your pet’s at-home oral care.

Your pet likely will need their teeth professionally cleaned at some point in their life, and now that you’ve had an inside look at the safe and effective procedure, our Harbor Pines Veterinary Center team is ready to schedule their next wellness and dental examination.

Proactive Tips To Prevent Behavior Problems in Puppies

You’ve spent endless hours scrolling through pictures of adorable puppies, extensively researching the intricacies of every breed imaginable, and compiling a list of potential puppy names. Bringing a puppy into your home is truly magical, from their floppy ears and adorable rolls, to their sweet puppy breath and wet noses. But a puppy is a lifelong commitment, and while everything they do is darn cute right now, they can easily develop some bad habits that won’t seem so cute in the years to come. Lay a strong foundation for your puppy by following these tips from Harbor Pines Veterinary Center for preventing behavior problems. 

Do your puppy research

Before bringing home a puppy, spend time researching which breed would best fit your lifestyle. Are you a marathon runner, or a couch crusader? Do you have young children or other pets to consider? If you impulsively choose a puppy because they are cute, you could run into behavior problems down the road because you are not compatible. For example, if you choose a highly active breed of puppy who needs a lot of exercise, and you work long hours that means they will be home alone for long periods, they will likely react poorly—not because they are “naughty,” but because their need for companionship isn’t being met. Think also about your needs, and consider the following when assessing a breed:

• Energy level
• Compatibility with children and other animals
• Common behavioral issues
• Size and coat type, especially if you are an allergy sufferer
• Common medical conditions 

Of course, every puppy’s personality is unique, but by understanding a breed’s general characteristics, you will be better prepared to make the right decision. 

Prepare for your puppy—and then prepare some more

Many behavioral issues arise from a lack of planning, time, or commitment to training. Set your puppy up for success and make their transition smooth by having all their essential needs on hand before you pick them up. Speak with your veterinarian if you aren’t sure what you need, but start with these basics:

• Leash, harness, and adjustable collar — Avoid your puppy getting loose or lost by keeping them securely on a leash with a collar and identification tags.
• Crate — Instead of giving your puppy free roam of the house when you are away or unable to supervise them, leave them in a secure crate. You will need to train your puppy to accept their crate. 
• Food and water bowls — A healthy, happy puppy’s basic needs include regular access to water and an age-appropriate diet. 
• Puppy food — Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
• Baby gates — Puppies like to explore, and many household items, such as electrical cords, can be dangerous. Use baby gates to block access to potentially dangerous areas or items—and items you would rather not be chewed. 
• Dog bed and blanket — Supervise your puppy in their bed or crate initially, to ensure they do not nibble on their bed or blankets. 
• Chew toys — It’s no secret that puppies like to chew. Appropriate chew toys help prevent your puppy from chewing on your furniture, shoes, and other belongings.
• Carpet cleaner — Let’s get real—potty training can be a slow process, and chances are your puppy is going to have some accidents. Accept this as a reality, and invest in a quality carpet cleaner. You can thank us later. 

Find a qualified puppy trainer

Puppies are similar to children and rely on you to provide them with boundaries, and to teach them appropriate behavior through positive reinforcement. But, puppies don’t come with training manuals, and knowing where to start can be difficult. One option is to find a qualified dog trainer who can not only train your puppy, but also teach you training skills to continue the training process. Most trainers offer private instruction and group classes. Many pet supply stores offer puppy classes that provide socialization and behavioral training. Group classes are great for you to meet and bond with other puppy parents in the trenches, and for your puppy to make friends. 

Your veterinarian can provide you with tips for choosing a trainer, and may also recommend area trainers. A good trainer should address the following:

• Inappropriate chewing
• Nipping and biting
• Jumping
• Potty training
• Crate training
• Leash manners
• Meeting new people and animals
• Mental and physical enrichment 

Practice patience and consistency with your puppy

Training is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner, and lays the foundation for your puppy to enjoy a comfortable, safe, happy life. Before deciding to bring a puppy home, ask yourself if you can commit to their training. You will need time, patience and a consistent approach to teach your pup the skills they will need to live their best life. But, along the way, you and your puppy will be building a strong bond.

Our team at Harbor Pines Veterinary Center is here to help you navigate all the ups and downs of puppyhood. Bring in your new puppy for a visit, and let us welcome you both to our family. Contact us to schedule your new puppy’s first wellness appointment.