Bay Glen Animal Hospital

Man's best friend could soon be veteran's best medicine

This article by Sharon L. Peters of USA Today writes about The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, which if becomes a law, will help returning veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Jan. 24, 2011- The number of veterans who get rehabilitation and re-entry help from dogs will substantially increase if a bill introduced in the House of Representatives this month becomes law.

The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, introduced by Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., proposes a two-pronged approach: Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would receive instruction in training dogs; the dogs they train would go to disabled vets.

The proposed pilot program's goal is to address "the growing need to help returning veterans," Grimm said in his announcement. It encourages using shelter dogs when possible, winning praise from humane groups.

Dogs' healing benefits have been proven repeatedly in the armed forces. Therapy dogs are making regular visits to military hospitals, and some have been sent to help troops in Afghanistan. Many vets struggling with PTSD or physical disabilities have received therapy or service dogs. Read full article here.

Schedule and appointment today with Bay Glen Animal Hospital.

Your dog could catch kennel cough, even outside the kennel!

This article by Stephen Sheldon of the Vail Daily Column explains how dogs can catch kennel cough, even outside the kennel.

Jan. 19, 2011- Kennel cough is one of the most common and contagious diseases of dogs. It is also one of the more controversial dog diseases, both in its' scope of being understood by the public and in the way veterinarians treat and prevent it.

Kennel cough is also called Infectious Tracheobronchitis (ITB). ITB is caused by being exposed to a very common bacteria, Bordetella bronchispetica, or an equally common parainfluenza virus. It can occur in both adult dogs and puppies. Unfortunately, many people think only dogs that spend time in a kennel can catch it, which isn't the case.

First lets look at the disease itself. ITB usually causes mild to moderate coughing and upper respiratory symptoms in dogs. It can develop into serious pneumonia but this rarely occurs. It is almost never fatal. The bacteria that causes it has special stuff on its surface that makes it stick to the lining of respiratory cells.

Treatment is fairly simple and straightforward: Antibiotics for the bacteria and cough suppressants for the cough. Even though it is often deemed a “self-limiting” disease, i.e. one that will go away by itself, almost all veterinarians I know prescribe antibiotics. It is thought that they speed up the healing process. I can already hear my phone ringing from holistic vets calling to voice disapproval of that last sentence. I am still prescribing antibiotics.

Read full article here.

For more info and tips to keep your pets healthy this winter, contact us at Bay Glen Animal Hospital.

Tips for Helping Your Pet Cope With Veterinary Visits

Vaccinations, regular check ups, and surgery: there are many reasons for taking your pet to the animal hospital or veterinary clinic.  This can be a time of stress for both you and your pet if you both are not prepared. Here are some simple steps you can take to make visit to the pet hospital a breeze:

• Train your cat or dog to get used to riding in the car.  For some owners, this process is easy, as their animal loves riding in the car and even looks forward to it.  For other owners, their pets shutter and shake at the sight of an animal carrier. 

So, to get them beyond this fear, get your pet accustomed to riding in your vehicle.  Start by taking short rides to the nearest park or even just around the block.

If your pet is highly resistant to getting into their pet crate, set it in a comfortable part of your home and put a towel and a small toy in it.  Let them go in an out of it as they please.  You may find that your pet develops affection for this special place and will even look forward to hanging out in the crate for a while!

• Before taking your dog to the dog hospital for a full visit, call the veterinary office and ask if you can bring your dog by for just a moment to get a treat and to get comfortable with the atmosphere.  Veterinary experts always prefer to work with calm animals, so your request will probably be met with much oblige.

To schedule your next veterinary visit, head over to the Bay Glen Animal Hospital website and schedule your pet’s appointment today!  We do everything in our power to make sure your visit to the veterinary’s office is as peaceful as possible for both you and your pet.

3 Fun and Safe Toys for Fido

Those of us who own dogs know that they really are, as the adage goes, man’s best friend.  They provide us unconditional love and we, in return, provide them opportunities to be healthy and happy.  Veterinary professionals at animal hospitals and pet hospitals know this and have recommended some fun and safe toys for our best friends.

Here are 3 fun and safe toys for Fido:

1. Dog Sitter Videos: When we can’t be with our dogs we still want them to be happy. What better way to keep their spirits up than to provide them with the sights and sounds of the outdoors? Dog Sitter Videos act as a healthy video vitamin for your furry pal.  While we do not want to turn our dogs into couch potatoes, we do want them to have the natural stimulation that dogs need and want to be happy.  Dog Sitter Videos provide 8 layers of sound, including tracks that only dogs can hear, to appeal to Fido in a special way.
2. Frisbees Made From Recycled Materials: Not only are these Frisbees safe for Fido, but they are also safe for the environment. Dogs are naturally attracted to flying stuff, and they seem to have taken a keen liking of plastic flying discs ever since they hit the market last century.Take your dog to the park and have a blast!
3. Rope: What can be simpler than rope!  Here is an inexpensive toy that has been a part of man and dog’s relationship since the dawn of time.  It is easy: take a piece of strong rope, tie a couple knots in it, and dangle it in front of Fido.  Let the fun commence.

For more fun and safe dog toy ideas visit Bay Glen Animal Hospital, your local animal clinic and dog hospital.  If you’re worried about your pet’s health, be sure to quickly contact us.  We’ll help get your pet back to feeling like its loving self.

Ways to Play with Your Dog

Play time is as crucial for the health and wellbeing of your dog as it is for training and bonding. 

Do you need some inspiration to play with your dog?  Here are some tips to help you and Fido get the most out of your play:

• Choose a toy that your pup likes.
• Do not use toys that over-excite your dog, as you need to stay in control of the game.
• Avoid sticks that can splinter and toys with pieces that are choking hazards

For more ideas on how to play with your dog, check out this video.  

If you have any questions regarding playtime, or your dog’s health in general, then head over to the Bay Glen Animal Hospital, we’re happy to help!