Dogs with separation anxiety are usually overly attached to or dependent on one or more family members.  They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling, or inactivity when separated from the owners.

Many of these dogs begin to show signs of separation anxiety as the owners prepare to leave.  They often salivate or pant profusely, vocalize, eliminate, refuse to eat, and become destructive.  Some dogs simply become quiet and withdrawn.  Most dogs with separation anxiety also tend to become overly excited when the owner returns.

Because the underlying problem is anxiety, treatment includes reducing all forms of anxiety before the owner leaves, at the time of departure, and when the owner returns.  In addition, the dog must learn to accept progressively longer periods of inattention and separation while the owners are at home.

During initial retraining, it’s usually best to find an alternative to leaving the dog alone while you are gone, to prevent damage and vocalization problems.  Retraining involves developing a routine so that your dog settles down and relaxes before it is rewarded with attention.  In other words, use the very rewards that your dog is seeking to teach independent behavior and relaxed times away from you.  Until you can get your dog to settle and relax without attention when you are at home, your dog is unlikely to settle when you leave.

Formal retraining should be directed at teaching your friend to remain on its mat or dog bed, or in its dog crate or den area for progressively longer periods of time.  During these training exercises, try to keep the dog as calm and relaxed as possible.

Activities that you consistently do before you leave (eg, jangling car keys, grabbing a purse, opening the garage door) signal or cue the dog that you’ll be leaving soon.  Anxiety can be greatly reduced by preventing the dog from hearing or seeing any of these cues and by training the dog that these cues no longer predict a departure.  One way to do this is to go through your pre-departure routine, but then remain at home.  This is especially good to do when the dog is relaxed or otherwise occupied, so that the dog will learn that the usual cues are no longer a signal that you are necessarily going to leave.

As you depart, your dog should be kept busy and occupied, and preferably where it cannot see you, so that there is little or no anxiety.  Giving special food treats in a kong or dog bones that have been saved for departures (and mock departure training sessions) can help keep the dog distracted and busy while you leave.  Be certain that the distraction devices last as long as possible so that the dog continues to be occupied until you have left and been gone for a while.

Although medications can be useful during initial departure training, they do not improve separation anxiety.  A solid program of retraining is needed to help your dog become more independent and well behaved when away from you.

Q&A

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Dogs with separation anxiety are usually overly attached to or dependent on one or more family members, so that the dog becomes extremely anxious and distressed when these persons leave.  This distress often takes the form of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling, or inactivity.

This sometimes happens before we even leave – how does the dog know?

Activities that you consistently do before you leave (eg, jangling car keys, grabbing a purse, opening the garage door) signal or cue the dog that you’ll be leaving soon. 

How is this condition treated?

Treatment involves behavioral training to reduce anxiety, with the goal of getting your dog to gradually accept progressively longer periods of inattention and separation.  Your veterinarian can set you up with a training program, or recommend a behavioral specialist. 

Can medications help?

Although medications can be useful during initial departure training, they are not a cure and do not improve separation anxiety. 

An allergic response develops when the immune system “overreacts” to a particular foreign material, which is called an allergen.  Common allergens are pollens, molds, food proteins, and flea saliva.  In animals, allergens often enter the body through breathing or eating, or via flea bites.  Allergens can also enter directly through the skin; a common example in people is a reaction to poison ivy, but such contact allergies are unusual in pets.

When an allergen enters the bloodstream, the body produces specific antibodies that “target” the foreign material.  This causes specialized white blood cells to release many substances that result in an allergic response.  One of the most common of these substances is histamine, which is why antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine) are sometimes used for treatment.

When people breathe in allergens such as pollen, they typically get hay fever.  When pets breathe in these allergens, instead of a stuffy nose or runny eyes, they get a condition called atopy, which results in skin irritation and itching.  Many allergic pets begin to show signs when they are as young as 6-7 months, and almost all show signs by the time they are 3-5 years old.  Typically, the skin irritation and itching begins as a seasonal problem in the spring or summer, but many pets eventually become allergic year round.  The location of the irritation and itching tends to vary depending on the cause.  Inhaled allergens usually cause problems around the face, feet, and “arm pits,” although other areas of the body can be affected.  Food allergies usually cause skin irritation around the head and neck.  Flea allergy often develops first in areas where fleas are commonly found, especially the rump, tail, and groin areas.

Allergies can cause your pet to lick and scratch incessantly, leading to skin rashes and serious infections.  You can help your veterinarian identify the cause of the problem by keeping track of when the problem started and how (if) it changes over time.  Once your veterinarian establishes the cause of the allergy, he or she can determine the best treatment strategy.  Antihistamines and corticosteroids are often used to combat itching and inflammation.  Your pet may need a restricted or special diet to avoid exposure to food allergens.  In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a series of shots meant to gradually desensitize your pet to the offending allergen(s).

Q&A

What causes allergies?

An allergic response develops when the immune system “overreacts” to foreign materials (called allergens) such as pollens, molds, food proteins, and flea saliva.  
Do pets get hay fever?

Hay fever is a type of seasonal allergy caused by inhaling allergens such as pollens and molds.  Pets are often allergic to these same allergens, but signs of illness usually show up as skin irritation and itching, rather than runny eyes and nose.  
When do allergies usually start?

Many pets begin to show signs when they are as young as 6-7 months, and almost all allergic pets develop problems by 3-5 years of age.  Inhaled allergies usually begin as seasonal itching during spring or summer, but eventually may become a year-round problem.  
How is allergy treated?

Antihistamines and corticosteroids are often used to combat itching and inflammation.  Longer-term treatment involves eliminating the offending allergens via things like flea control or hypoallergenic diet.  If the allergen cannot be eliminated, your veterinarian may recommend a series of shots meant to gradually desensitize your pet to the offending allergen(s).

If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, contact us at 703-777-6661 or staff@marketstreetanimalclinic.com and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you and your pet.

Planning a vacation or relocating with pet family members? You are not alone. During the past three years, more than 29 million U.S. adults have taken a road trip of 50 miles or more with an animal companion, the Travel Industry Association reports.

Packing for your own needs can be confusing. What will the weather be like? Where will we stay? You also need to plan for your pet’s safety and comfort.

Here are some expert tips for hitting the road.

Before the trip

• Consult your vet. Make sure your dog is physically and mentally equipped to handle the journey, particularly if it’s long. Identify medications in the event of carsickness, diarrhea, or anxiety in your dog. Ask about the risks of fleas, heartworm, Lyme disease, giardia, and ticks in your planned travel zone.
• It’s essential for dogs to wear a safety belt, harness, tether, or other protective accessory while riding in a vehicle. Short walks with the harness will get dogs accustomed to wearing it. End each walk with a treat.
• Gather relevant medical information on your dog such as a health certificate and list of vaccinations. Obtain recommendations for animal hospitals and veterinarians along the way.
• Assemble a first-aid kit or buy one — available at pet stores, vet offices and on the Web.
• Make sure dogs have a current tag, microchip, or both. Make sure you have your pet’s rabies tag and license numbers written down. Take along a photo in case they get lost so it will be easier to find them.

What should I pack?

BringYourPet.com is one of many Web sites offering current listings of pet-friendly accommodations. This site suggests bringing along some of the following on your journey:

• Leash and extra collar
• Old sheet or blanket for under the carrier for easier cleanup
• Sheets to cover furniture where you intend to stay
• Your pet’s own bedding
• Two gallons of drinking water from home
• Food and water bowl set
• Treats
• Toys or chew items
• Brush or comb and lint remover
• Waste-removal bags
• Old towels, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for accidents
• Flashlight for late-night walks

Bring enough of your dog’s favorite food. You may not be able to find the same brand on the road.

Pet travel market expands

Two-thirds of pet owners travel with their pets these days, according to Packaged Facts, a marketing research firm. With the overall pet supply market projected to surpass $11 billion in revenues by 2009, look for an increasing number of convenient products to make traveling with pets more enjoyable.

According to the Travel Industry Association, dogs are the most common pet passengers at 78 percent. Cats are a distant second at 15 percent; with small animals, such as ferrets and rabbits, at 3 percent; and birds at 2 percent. Favored modes of transport are, not surprisingly, cars and trucks, 76 percent.

Music soothes the savage beast

Consider packing some of your dog’s favorite CDs. It has been scientifically proven that some music relaxes dogs, and a selection of music specifically for dogs, including “Through a Dog’s Ear – Music to Calm Your Dog in the Car,” is available on Amazon.com.

Canine audiophiles seem to prefer this relaxing collection over Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road, Jack.”

http://www.webvet.com/main/

If you notice an increase in scratching in your pet, take a moment to check for bite marks. If you are unsure as to the cause don’t hesitate to call or email Market Street Animal Clinic, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We can be reached at 703-777-6661 and by email at staff@marketstreetanimalclinic.com. Or stop in, we are located 210 East Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia

Common Pet Injuries: Insect bites/stings

Bites on dogs, including fleas, ticks, certain spiders, and bee stings are common causes of bite reactions in pets.  Some dog bites cause no more than a mild annoyance, while others can cause a serious condition.
The most common signs of an insect bite reaction on a dog include swelling and redness at the site of the bite, “hives,” or a swollen face or muzzle.  However, just like people, some dogs can become sensitive to the proteins contained in the saliva or venom of biting insects.  These allergic individuals can develop severely inflamed skin, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and (rarely) death.  Allergy to fleas is very common and usually shows up as severe itching over the rump, from even a single bite (see also Fleas).
Diagnosis is based on the specific signs of illness and/or a history of a bite.  In some cases, your veterinarian may take a blood sample to look for eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell associated with allergic reactions.  Other tests may be needed depending on the severity of the reaction.
Bee stings are common in the spring and summer.  Dogs are usually bitten on the muzzle, because of their tendency to sniff and bite at things.  The lips or muzzle may swell, and allergic pets may have more serious reactions.  Dogs often paw at or rub any swollen areas.
Most spiders in North America are not poisonous, so bites generally cause only localized pain and swelling.  However, one particularly serious exception is the brown recluse (or fiddleback) spider.  The brown recluse spider hides in dark areas associated with wood piles, outdoor sheds, dog houses, etc.  The venom from the bite of a brown recluse tends to spread slowly, killing off tissue and leaving a dark ulcer.  Such ulcers are slow to heal and can lead to more serious problems.
Ticks, biting flies, and mosquitoes can cause red swollen areas of the skin, which itch and can sometimes become infected.  Fly bites can pose a special nuisance to outdoor pets.  Fly bites can cause crusty bumps or sores, especially around the ears or face, that can become infected if left untreated.
Treatment for insect bites typically consists of removing the stinger (if a bee sting), cleaning the wound, and administering appropriate medications.  Antihistamines are usually given to combat any allergic reaction.  Topical creams/lotions containing corticosteroids and/or antibiotics can be used to provide local relief for the skin.  In more serious conditions, oral medications or emergency injections (eg, epinephrine) may be needed to combat allergic shock.  Dogs that have severe allergic reactions may need intravenous fluids and a stay at the veterinary hospital.
Prevention includes routine use of monthly flea and tick products.  Topical repellents are also available, but be sure to check with your vet before combining these with other products.  Control of pests in your pet’s local environment (eg, yard, run, etc) can help limit bites as well.  Your vet can help you design a control program that fits you and your pet.

Q&A

What kind of insect bites can bother my pet?

The bites (or stings) of fleas, ticks, certain spiders, and bees are common causes of bite reactions in pets.

What pets are most severely affected?

Just like people, some pets can become sensitive to the proteins contained in the saliva or venom of biting insects.  Once bitten, these allergic individuals can develop severely inflamed skin, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and (rarely) death.

Where on the body are bite reactions likely to occur?

Location depends somewhat on the type of insect involved.  Bee stings usually occur around the paws, face, or muzzle, as curious pets use their mouth and paws to investigate this insect.  Flea reactions usually occur over the rump.

Do insect bites represent a serious emergency?

May mild bites can be treated with antihistamines and topical creams/lotions containing corticosteroids.  Pets having a strong allergic reaction, especially one that interferes with breathing, should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.