Every season brings its own brand of fun for our furry friends – cue the slow-motion videos of dogs of all sizes and breeds gleefully diving into piles of newly raked leaves. And of course, there are those adorable photo ops of cats and dogs in Halloween costumes. But it’s important not to overlook potential dangers as the changing seasons bring us shorter days, colder nights, deep freezes, and winter storms.  

In addition to protecting our furry family members, getting ahead of the potential issues affecting pets this season can help alleviate financial anxiety. 
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In fact, according to Synchrony’s Lifetime of Care survey, nearly half of respondents underestimated the lifetime cost of care for dogs and cats, which ranges from $15,000 to $55,000. This is significant, as 46% said they would experience financial anxiety if faced with a vet bill of $500.
“More than 90 million U.S. homes include a pet, and you may be one of those pet parents with an emergency vet visit this fall” said Jonathan Wainberg, senior vice president and general manager, Pet, Synchrony. “Pet parents need to factor in planned AND unexpected costs into their monthly savings plans, so that they are prepared for any eventuality. By getting ahead of these bills, consumers can look into the available flexible payment solutions to manage the cost of care throughout their pet's lifetime.”
To mitigate potential health issues and unplanned veterinary costs, pet parents should consider the following examples of the potential dangers facing pets this fall. 

Wildlife Threats

Many critters can pose severe risks to pets including ticks and snakes preparing for hibernation. While it’s important to protect pets from ticks year-round, they’re especially active in the fall, which is why it’s important to consider flea and tick prevention measures. To reduce the chances of stumbling upon a snake, do a quick sweep of your backyard before letting your pet outside. Snakes typically like to hide in piled up rocks or logs, tall grass and hollow tree knots, so be sure to check all potential danger zones.

Food also attracts wildlife, including pet food, garbage and seed in bird feeders. Racoons are especially guilty of raiding food that’s been left out, and it’s not uncommon for them to be aggressive toward dogs and cats in their pursuit of a quick bite. Be sure to bring all food inside before going to bed for the night to keep your pets safe. 

Poisons and Toxins

In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to closely supervise your pets when they’re outside. Keeping an eye on them will allow you to intervene quickly if they encounter toxins such as mushrooms and moldy walnut shells. While only 1% of wild mushrooms are toxic, ingestion can be life-threatening. And moldy walnut shells mimic metaldehyde poisoning, which can be devastating and expensive to get through.
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Unfortunately, rodent poisons become more common in the fall to keep critters at bay, which is why it’s important to be vigilant in protecting your pet from accidental exposure. This includes in the park, your neighborhood and even your home! 

And with Halloween right around the corner, be sure to keep decorations out of reach including toxic plants like chrysanthemums as well as mold on pumpkins, gourds, and hay.

Weather and Daylight Changes

Cooler temperatures and longer nights can also impact pets’ behavior and well-being. Wearing reflective gear can help to keep your pet (and yourself) visible when taking late night strolls. 
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It’s also important to keep pets warm as temperatures drop. And if it’s especially snowy, be sure to protect your pets’ paws with booties or salves. Finally, as with humans, pets’ allergies can be brutal in the fall – especially ragweed and mold. Keep an eye out for symptoms like excessive sheading, scratching and biting the coat or skin, and compulsive paw licking. 

Runaway Pets

As awful as it is to think about, the above dangers can increase the risk of pets running away. Whatever you do, make sure your pets are microchipped and your contact information is updated. I can’t tell you how many unfortunate stories I’ve encountered with pets escaping and the owners aren't locatable.

Similar to fireworks during the 4th of July, pets can become anxious when they hear constant doorbell ringing during trick-or-treating. With higher foot traffic on this spooky day, there’s a greater risk of escape. Protect them from scary ghouls, goblins and noises by investing in a thunder vest, which functions the same way as a baby swaddle. Gentle constant pressure calms the sympathetic nervous system and stimulates the Vagus nerve to de-activate the “fight or flight” response. 
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Fall is a great time of year for pets – but only if the proper precautions are taken. A snuggle and treat usually help with common scares like the dreaded vacuum and car rides, but pets don’t do well with seasonal change. At the beginning of each season, talk to your vet about how you can mitigate any potential harm from befalling your beloved pet. 

Written by: Dr. Don LeHoullier, DVM and Veterinary Expert for CareCredit Pet

Don LeHoullier is a veterinarian and owner of Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Jefferson, OR. In this role he works on a variety of animals ranging from dogs and cats to the occasional farm animal.  
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Dr. LeHoullier has a Certificate in Veterinary Technology, received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Oregon State University College of Agriculture and graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine.  
 
Dr. LeHoullier took a particular interest in pain and analgesics, and advanced anesthesiology. He also spent time abroad, training in Australia and New Zealand. 
 
In 2002, Dr. LeHoullier researched the effects of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of equine sarcoids in vivo and in vitro as part of the Merck-Merial Research Program. In the same year, he also assisted in a project studying the vasoconstrictive effects of ergot alkaloids on bovine blood vessels in vitro. 
 
In his free time, Dr. LeHoullier enjoys spending time outdoors, building PCs and gaming, and growing exotic chilis. 

Summer is in full swing - heat, BBQs, pool days, relaxing - what's not to like? 

Summer is also fun for dogs and cats, but there are some summer hazards that I want to highlight so that you can stay safe, sane, and OUT of the vet hospital this summer! (ain't nobody got time or money for that...so let's prevent accidents!)

In this blog post I'll be sharing my top 7 seven summer safety tips. ​

​​1. Never Leave Your Pet Alone in a Hot Car.

Despite widespread media coverage, hundreds of dogs and cats left in cars perish in heat-related deaths during the summer. According to the AVMA, the temperature inside a car can increase by 20 degrees in 10 minutes, 30 degrees in 20 minutes, and after 60 minutes the temperature can rise by more than 40 degrees. Furthermore, a number of states, counties, and municipalities are making it illegal to leave a pet inside a locked car, and allowing Good Samaritans and police to take drastic measures, such as breaking car windows, to free pets from hot cars. 

While heat stroke can be fatal, what you might not know is that even heat stress is hard on a pet's internal organs and can create problems down the road that can, you guessed it, cost you money and shorten your pet's life. 

When it comes to leaving pets unsupervised inside cars, for potential legal and health reasons, the best option is to not do it. If you cannot take the dog with them inside when they are out and about, leave the pet at home...unless you have a Tesla that has a/c that runs while the car is off (which is very cool, especially if you live in Phoenix, where the sun literally touches the earth...)

2. Protect Your Pet Against Parasites.

Summer means outdoor time, hiking, nature, and fun with pets in NATURE! Ah yes, we love nature, but we don't love all the exposure to intestinal parasitic eggs and hungry fleas and ticks. It is important to keep pests out of and off of pets by using external and internal parasite control.  Parasite control not only protects the pets, it also protects against parasites that can infected people, like roundworms and hookworms. For peace of mind, use products that your veterinarian recommends. 

Pro tip: Most heart worm prevention contains dewormer for many intestinal parasites as well, so you get full spectrum worm protection - YEAH!

3. Noise Phobias are Real

Late June and early July can be torture for pet guardians of dogs that are scared of fireworks. Signs of noise phobia/aversion can include:

• Panting
• Pacing
• Trembling
• Clingy behavior
• Won’t calm down
• Drooling
• Hiding
• Howling
• Destructive behavior
• Escaping
• Vomiting
• Inappropriate urination or defecation

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to calm pets, including prescription medications and at-home remedies, including:

• prescription medications like Sileo, trazadone, or other prescription medications specifically designed to help with noise aversion
• crating
• playing calming music
• a thundershirt
• CBD oil 
• Anxitane
• Zylkene
• Calming probiotic​

If nothing is helping and you need help, schedule an appointment (can be by phone or zoom) with a behaviorist or your local veterinarian - they can help you develop multiple strategies that complement each other to help your pet stay calm and safe. 

4. Hot asphalt and concrete will burn paw pads.

Asphalt and cement can be 40-60 degrees hotter than the surrounding air temperature, meaning that if the temperature is 100 degrees, the pavement could be 150 degrees or hotter. Asphalt heated by the sun to 135 can fry a dog’s paws in seconds, and air temperature is not a good indicator of ground temperature.

​A good ‘rule of paw’ is to test pavement by pressing your own bare feet or hands for 10 seconds on the pavement. If it is too hot for you, then it is too hot for your dog - find a different, cooler way to get your daily exercise, or go for a walk on soft surfaces like dirt trails or grass. Boots aren't recommended because dogs cool themselves through their paws.

5. Exercise during the coolest part of the day.

It boggles my mind to see people out jogging with their dogs in the heat of the day, but yet it still happens. Even walks in the hot sun for smush faced dogs can be torture and downright dangerous. Most times people just don’t understand that their dogs aren’t having a good time, or that it can be really bad for their dog’s health. If your dog is panting hard, laying down, dragging behind, or seeking shade then they are toooooo hot.

Dogs and cats aren't great at cooling themselves, and heat stroke can be life threatening, so it is important to know the signs of heat stroke, and what to do when you notice the signs. In addition, when it is hot, it is important to provide ways for your pet to cool themselves, and not take brachycephalic (smushed faced) dogs out for exercise during the heat of the day (warmer than 80 degrees F), as they are even less able to cool themselves. Check below for some excellent cooling products to try with your dog. 

6. Check your dog for foxtails after they play in grass.

AH THE DREADED FOXTAIL! Unless you have experienced the drama and expense of a foxtail getting stuck somewhere in your dog, it is highly unlikely that you know about this summer danger. Foxtails are grass seeds that have a barb on one end, and fanned out fibers on the other end. These foxtails get caught EVERYWHERE on dogs, but especially in between toes, up noses, in ears, and in eyes. Always check your dog for foxtails after they have been out around grasses that are going to seed (July-August in most areas), especially in between toes.

If your dog is licking their paw excessively, has a swelling or hole that is draining pus in between the toes, then get your dog checked by a vet asap, as these foxtails can break up and be really hard to find the longer they are under the skin. Like...really.

For long and medium hair breeds, ask your groomer do a ‘foxtail’ cut on the feet - this trims hairs that can trap and obscure foxtail awns, making it easier for you or your dog to remove them. 

7. Ear and Skin Infections are more common in summer and fall.

Skin and ear problems due to seasonal grass and tree pollen allergies represents a large percentage of daily appointments in late spring, summer, and early fall. If your dog has seasonal allergies, get started with antihistamines and other control measures early to minimize symptoms and itchiness. Not sure how to control seasonal allergies?  Talk to your vet, and read this blog post I wrote about everything pet parents need to know about skin infections.

Ear infections due to seasonal allergies also tend to flair up during the summer. Ear infections also increase because dogs are swimming - and they can get 'swimmer's ear' just like people do.

If your dog is predisposed to developing ear infections, clean their ears 1-2 a week with a high quality ear cleaner, like this one that I recommend from Life's Abundance.

​Alternatively, you can make your own at home with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol - just a few drops in each ear will dry and acidify the ear, making it inhospitable to yeast and bacteria. Do NOT use a homemade rinse if your pet shows signs of ear infections (excessive scratching, redness, discharge, odor) - instead, take them to the vet for treatment.

What are your recommendations for staying cool and healthy with your pet during the summer? Share your wisdom with us in the comment section below, and check out the summer products I recommend for pets!

xoxo

Dr. Sarah 

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that Dr. Wooten may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using these links. This helps support her work and allows her to continue providing valuable pet health care information to her audience. Dr. Wooten only recommends products she believes in and trusts, so you can feel confident knowing that any purchase made through these links meets her high standards. Thank you for supporting Dr. Wooten and her mission to educate and empower pet owners and veterinary professionals.

Skin allergies are a common health issue faced by pets, causing a lot of discomfort and distress for both the pet and for the pet parent (especially when they are scratching like crazy at 2 a.m.).

There are many factors that can contribute to skin allergies in pets, including environmental factors, fleas, foods, and genetics. In this blog post, you will learn the most 4 most common allergies in dogs and cats, the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and how to prevent allergies from ruining you and your pet’s life.

Atopic dermatitis, or atopy, is a type of skin allergy caused by pets having reactions to normally innocuous environmental substances such as pollen, mold, insect particles, and dust mites. Atopic dermatitis is considered to be both an immune hypersensitivity issue (they are reacting to things they shouldn’t) and a structural skin barrier problem (things are getting through the skin layers that shouldn’t). While humans have sneezing and runny eyes, dogs and cats get itchy skin (and sometimes sneezing and runny eyes too). 
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This type of skin allergy is inheritable in dogs (in cats we aren’t sure), and while it is more common in certain breeds of dogs, including Boston terrier, boxer, cairn terrier, Chinese shar-Pei, cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, English bulldog, setters, pit bulls, Frenchies, Lhasa Apso, miniature schnauzer, pug, Westies, labs, and goldens, it can be seen in any dog.

Additional facts about atopic dermatitis:

• Most dogs will show signs between 2-6 years of age
• Atopic dermatitis is estimated to affect 15% of dogs worldwide, less in cats
• Atopic dermatitis is usually a seasonal problem, and worse in the spring, summer, and/or fall (unless you live in a warm area in which case symptoms can appear year round)
• Atopic dermatitis can get worse over time

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis causes itching, skin irritation, hair loss, and redness. In dogs, it can cause nail bed infections. Cats develop bumps all over their body, called miliary dermatitis. Secondary problems, including hot spots and skin and ear infections, as well as itchy, runny eyes and sneezing, are common. 

How is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed?
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A veterinarian uses a combination of oral history from you, physical exam, and skin testing to rule out other issues, like skin infections or mites, to diagnose atopic dermatitis. This is also true of diagnosing other skin conditions including all allergies covered in this article as well.

How is Atopic Dermatitis Treated? 

OTC medications that are used to manage (not cure) the disease by controlling itching include: 

• Antihistamines (which may be enough to control mild cases of atopy, however always check with your vet to make sure antihistamines are safe for your pet before giving any OTC medications). I offer specific antihistamine recommendations with dosages in my comprehensive course on skin allergies -check out the course here!

Used in combination with other therapies, such as wiping your pet off with hypochlorous wipes and avoiding high pollen counts, antihistamines can control symptoms in many pets. However, if they aren’t helping, then your vet will likely prescribe prescription medication, which can include: 
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• Cyclosporine (tradename Atopica)
• Oclacitinib (tradename Apoquel)
• Oral or injectable steroids (works short term, but has loads of negative side effects if used often or long-term)
• Monthly Cytopoint injections in dogs
• Gabapentin or antidepressants in severe cases

In addition to oral medications, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications for secondary skin infections. There are also many medicated shampoos, rinses, lotions, and sprays available that can provide relief.

Once your pet has been diagnosed with atopy, then some vets may offer a blood test to determine what your pet is allergic to. The blood test measures the amount of IgE antibody in your pet’s blood.


​Pros of the blood test include:

• Wider availability (can be done at most vet clinics)
• Less expensive
• Does not require clipping the hair (like the skin test does - see the picture)
• Does not require sedation

These tests can be helpful, but they do have their limitations:

• Cannot distinguish between normal and allergic pets
• Frequent false positive and false negative results
• Only tests for a limited number of allergens
• Some pets with atopic dermatitis don’t have elevated IgE antibodies in their blood
• Inconsistent quality control and reliability

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While regular vets can provide relief from itching and blood allergy tests, If you really want to know what your pet is allergic to, then you need to take your pet to a veterinary dermatologist for intradermal skin testing. Blood tests are more convenient, but the diagnosis is not as accurate as skin testing. Skin testing is more expensive and requires sedation, but:

• If you are serious about treating your pet with allergy shots, the greatest success is seen when both tests are done on your pet (skin and blood) and the immunotherapy (allergy shot) is formulated based on the results of both tests. 
• If you only have money for one test, choose intradermal skin testing. 
• If you can’t afford skin testing but want to do allergy shots, start treatment for itching and save up for skin testing (don’t only get blood testing - waste of your money)​

If you elect to have skin testing done on your pet, then the dermatologist can order allergy shots (immunotherapy) that can be given to your pet over time to desensitize them to the allergen. 60-80% of dogs and cats respond favorably to immunotherapy, however response is slow requiring at least 3 months and up to a year to see full effect. In the meantime, you will need to use other methods to reduce symptoms.

How to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis

The only way to prevent symptoms other than allergy shots is to avoid the allergens and use medicated products. If your dog is allergic to pollen, then keeping them inside when pollen counts are high or wiping them off with a wipe after they go outside (especially their paws, underbelly, and any skin folds/wrinkles) is a good start. If they roll in the grass, wipe their whole body! I like HICC Pet wipes because the hypochlorous acid is stabilized (very important!) and clinically proven to be anti-inflammatory, pro-skin health, and anti-itch. As an aside, it also kills COVID. Who knew.
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Additional preventive measures include:

• Use a HEPA filter in your A/C or furnace and your vacuum cleaner
• If you live in an area with very dry air, use a humidifier in your home
• Use an air purifier
• Wash your dog once or twice weekly with cool or room temperature water and a moisturizing shampoo, anti-itch shampoo, or oatmeal shampoo. Leave suds on your pet for 5-10 minutes (if they let you), and rinse thoroughly. Follow it up with a soothing mist spray to calm your pet’s skin.
• Brush your pet
• Regularly wash pet bedding 
• Give your dog a high quality fish oil supplement, which has been shown to help with skin health. Recommended amount is 145 mg of EPA + DHA/ of body weight daily (a 20 pound dog would get 3,000 mg/day). In big dogs this can be a LOT of OTC fish oil, so if you have a big dog, get concentrated fish oil from your vet.
• Feed a the highest quality diet you can afford and give a skin and coat supplement to promote overall skin health year round. I recommend Life's Abundance nutritional products for dogs and cats.
• Many pets with atopy also have flea allergies, so keep all pets on effective flea control (ask your vet for recommendations)
• If your pet is prone to ear infections or shaking/scratching their ears, gently clean their ears 1-2/week with a high quality ear cleaner.

These therapies work best when you are proactive - if you know that your pet has allergies to pollen or during a certain time of the year, for example, then starting antihistamines and wiping them off BEFORE they start to show symptoms. ​

Did you know that dogs and cats can be allergic to flea saliva? It’s true! In pets that are allergic, the bite of just one flea can drive them crazy enough to pull their hair out! This type of skin allergy is moderately common in pets and can cause intense itching, redness, and skin irritation. Flea allergy dermatitis can lead to further complications such as hot spots (raw wounds where the pet has pulled out their hair) and secondary bacterial infections. Flea allergy dermatitis is a seasonal problem unless you live in an area where fleas are present year round. In which case, god bless you. 

Symptoms of Flea Allergy Dermatitis

In dogs, flea allergy dermatitis usually manifests as a raw, oozing, hairless, intensely itch  wound on the neck or around the base of the tail. In cats, flea allergy dermatitis usually manifests as bumps all over the body (called miliary dermatitis) and/or hot spots around the head and neck.

Treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Treatment typically includes shaving and cleaning the hot spot, steroids to stop the itch, and antibiotics for skin infections. 

Prevention of Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Prevention of fleas is critical to prevent flea allergy dermatitis, and vets will typically recommend an insect growth regulator (like Interceptor) to keep fleas from maturing and a quick-kill prescription flea prevention to prevent flea allergy dermatitis. In addition:

• All fleas should also be removed from the environment (to the best of your ability) by treating the yard, mowing the grass, and removing fleas from the house. 
• All animals in the house should be on flea treatment (because dogs can catch fleas from cats and vice versa). 

If you have a bad flea problem at your house (vets call these redline homes) it may take several weeks to eradicate them and the problem might get worse before it gets better. This is because the home and/or yard are infested with flea eggs, larvae, pupae and adults emerging daily. Remember, the fleas you see on your pet today came from flea eggs laid three to eight weeks ago. Dr. Dryden (nicknamed Dr. Flea because he spent his life career studying these blood suckers) has several tips if the fleas are bad:

• Vacuum all floor surfaces daily to suck up any emerging fleas
• Vacuum couches and all seat cushions every other day
• Wash pet bedding or any bedding where the pet sleeps every couple of days
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth into cracks in the floor
• Mow and treat your lawn and yard for fleas
• Rake up and dispose of leaf litter regularly
• Try to keep wildlife out of your yard (they are a source for fleas!)

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin allergy caused by exposure to certain irritants such as chemicals, plants, and metals. It is different from atopy in that only the part of the body that touches the offending substance is itching or red.  Dogs can develop contact dermatitis from exposure to things like pesticides, cleaning products, laundry detergent, and certain plants. 

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis usually causes localized skin irritation, itching, and redness, and can lead to further complications such as hot spots and secondary infections. It is often seen on the belly or paws.

Treatment of Contact Dermatitis

Treatment includes medications to stop the itch and treatment of any secondary infections. It also helps to give these animals a bath.

Prevention of Contact Dermatitis

You can prevent contact dermatitis by identifying what your pet is allergic to, and then avoiding exposing your pet to that substance. Try switching to a hypoallergenic, fragrance free laundry detergent and only use hypoallergenic shampoos on your pet. If your pet has chin acne, switch to a stainless steel bowl and wash the bowl daily in between feedings. 

Food allergies, otherwise known as cutaneous adverse food reactions, are a type of skin allergy caused by an allergic reaction to certain proteins found in food. Common allergens in pet food include beef, chicken, dairy, egg, pork, and soy. Wheat and corn allergies are much less common. Pets are usually fed the offending food for at least 2 years before developing symptoms. 

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Symptoms of food allergies occur after the pet has eaten something they are allergic to. Symptoms are often year round (if the pet is eating the same food year round). It is the third most common allergy in dogs and the second most common allergy in cats. All dog breeds are susceptible, in cats food allergies are more common in Siamese cats. 

Food allergies can cause skin irritation, itching, and redness, and can lead to further complications such as hot spots and secondary infections. 
In contrast to flea allergies and atopic dermatitis, food allergy patients often have concurrent gastrointestinal signs, including excessive gut sounds, gas, frequent bowel movements, vomiting and diarrhea.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Food Allergies

Unfortunately, there is no accurate test in veterinary medicine to diagnose food allergies - so don’t waste your time on those tests you can buy on the internet! Diagnosis of food allergies is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning the vet has to rule out other causes before assuming a food allergy.

The only way to diagnose a food allergy is by removing allergens from your pet’s diet and seeing if the symptoms resolve. This is either done by feeding the pet a novel protein food (something they have never eaten before) or feeding them a hypoallergenic food (usually prescription only) that has hydrolyzed proteins that have had the allergens removed.

Now…most people think they can just switch their pet to a different kind of food with different ingredients, but unfortunately it just ain’t that simple.
Most, if not all, commercial pet foods are made in factories that make multiple types of food on the same machines. If the machines aren’t completely, 100%, ridiculously meticulously cleaned in between food runs (which they aren’t) then the food is ‘contaminated’ with microscopic particles of ingredients from other diets. For example - if you think your dog might be allergic to chicken so you switch to a lamb formula, that lamb food is likely made on the same rollers as chicken food, and contains microscopic chicken particles, even though it doesn’t say chicken on the bag. Normally, this isn’t a problem. For food allergic pets, it is.

This is why your vet wants you to purchase and feed your pet a therapeutic diet that is made on entirely cleaned/dedicated machinery to ensure there are no microscopic contaminants from potential allergic ingredients. (ps this is also why the food is so expensive)

Most feeding trials last anywhere from 8-10 weeks, depending on how fast symptoms resolve (or not). During this feeding trial your pet cannot eat ANYTHING ELSE, including people food, treats, or flavored medications (including heartworm prevention - to ask your vet for unflavored heartworm prevention during this time). If your pet accidentally consumes something other than the prescribed food, then the diet trial starts over. Wah wah.
The reason the feeding trial is so long is it takes that long for skin and gut cells to turnover. If your pet has a food allergy, then they will likely have resolution of gastrointestinal signs first (because those cells turnover faster, usually 2-4 weeks) and resolution of skin signs second (usually takes 6-8 weeks). 

If all signs resolve, then great! Your pet likely has a food allergy and you have two options:

1. Keep your pet on the food.
2. Slowly reintroduce other foods one at a time and see if symptoms return.

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Most pet parents don’t want symptoms to return and elect to stay on the special food. 

Prevention of Food Allergies
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Easy: don’t feed your pet the offending ingredient(s).

Skin allergies are a common problem for dogs, causing a range of symptoms from mild irritation to serious health issues. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for each type of skin allergy is important for managing the condition and providing relief for the dog's symptoms. 
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It’s also important to remember that not all itchy pets have allergies - the problem might be something else entirely. This is why it is important to involve your favorite veterinarian in diagnosing the problem before you start treating. By identifying and managing the underlying cause of itching, pet parents can help prevent further complications and ensure the overall health and well-being of their furry companions.

xoxo

Dr. Sarah Wooten

​Owning a pet brings immense joy, love, companionship, and fur into our lives. However, alongside the pleasures of being a pet parent, there often comes an unwelcome guest - guilt. Pet parent guilt is a common emotional experience that arises from the fear of not meeting our furry companions' needs to the fullest extent. Even veterinarians are not immune - I experienced it myself when I had to euthanize my dog, Alma, in 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. It was gut-wrenching.

In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of pet parent guilt and provide strategies to cope with this challenging inner experience.

Pet ownership guilt can manifest from many different situations, such as feeling inadequate in providing proper care, feeling like you are neglecting pets' well-being, or not spending enough quality time with them. Separation anxiety guilt may arise when leaving our pets alone for extended periods, leading to worry and doubt about their emotional state. Guilt related to a pet's health may emerge when we feel responsible for their ailments, believe we could have done more to prevent them, couldn't do more because of financial limitations, or feel like you chose euthanasia either too early or too late. Additionally, guilt may weigh heavily when we perceive our pets' behavior as problematic because they are bored and lacking exercise opportunities and mental stimulation.

As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend gets the best possible nutrition. With countless pet food options available, it can be challenging to make the right choice. A crucial aspect of selecting the ideal food for your pet is understanding the information provided on pet food labels. In this article, we'll help you decode pet food labels so you can make informed decisions about your cat's or dog's diet.

• Name and Brand:
  • When choosing pet food, it's essential to consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Look for brands with a history of providing high-quality, consistent products. A quick online search can reveal customer reviews, news articles, or recalls related to the brand.
  • Check out some great diet options for dogs and cats at Life’s Abundance at and Hill’s Pet Nutrition at hillspet.com .
• Ingredient List
  • Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. This means that the first few ingredients make up the majority of the pet food. High-quality pet food should have a named protein source (e.g., chicken, beef, or salmon) listed as the first ingredient. Avoid products that list unspecified "meat" or "meat by-products" as these can be of lower quality and don’t give you any idea of the type of animal protein included in the food.
• Guaranteed Analysis 
  • The guaranteed analysis provides information about the minimum or maximum amounts of certain nutrients in the pet food. This typically includes crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture. Comparing the guaranteed analysis between different pet foods can help you make an informed decision, but keep in mind that factors like moisture content can affect the actual nutrient ratios. Chicken, for example, weighs more than chicken meal because of the water weight.
• AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement
  • The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets nutritional standards for pet food. Look for an AAFCO statement on the label, indicating that the food meets the organization's guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. This statement may also specify the life stage (e.g., growth, maintenance, all life stages) for which the food is appropriate. Veterinarians prefer foods that have been formulated via feeding trial, as feeding trials are the most accurate way to formulate food.
• Feeding Guidelines
  • Feeding guidelines provide a starting point for determining the appropriate serving size for your pet. These recommendations are usually based on your pet's weight, but remember that individual factors like age, activity level, and health status can affect your pet's dietary needs. Consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance on feeding your pet. Personally, I always feed 10-15% less than what is on the food label to keep my pet at a healthy weight.
• Net Weight 
  • The net weight indicates the total weight of the pet food inside the package. This information can be helpful when comparing prices between different products or calculating the cost per serving. 
• Expiration or "Best By" Date 
  • Checking the expiration or "best by" date is crucial to ensure that you're feeding your pet fresh food. Expired pet food may lose nutritional value or, in some cases, become unsafe to feed your pet. Here is a blog article about how to store dog food to maintain safety and freshness.
• Special Claims 
  • Be cautious of marketing claims on pet food labels. Terms like "natural," "organic," or "grain-free" might sound appealing, but they don't necessarily guarantee a better product. Always prioritize the ingredient list and nutritional information over marketing claims when choosing pet food.

​Decoding pet food labels can seem overwhelming, but with a little knowledge and practice, you'll become a pro at selecting the right food for your furry friend. Remember that your veterinarian is an invaluable resource for guidance on your pet's specific dietary needs. By understanding pet food labels and consulting with your vet, you can ensure that your cat or dog receives the balanced and complete nutrition they need for a long, healthy life.

Calling all wild women!

Hello fellow readers and happy April! Spring is either around the corner or already showing up for many of you, and it's time to get back in touch with nature and our true selves. That is why I picked Women Who Run with Wolves for this month's challenge. 

While I definitely recommend this book for all female types, it is also a great read for male people because this book can help you understand the feminine and believe it or not, you have aspects of the divine feminine within you as well. I know. Hard to believe...but anyway - I still recommend that you read this book because it is life changing.

I first stumbled across this book about 5 years ago, and have listened to it twice on audiobook already. This is my first time actually reading it and I'm so excited to see what new things I glean!

If you are reading it for the first time, treat yourself to the audiobook. Dr. Estes is a cantadora - a female latin storyteller. Part of the reason I loved it so much on audiobook is because she does the reading and she is a master at storytelling.

This book explores the divine feminine archetype and the wildness that we all have inside ourselves (because we are, in fact, part of nature even though we like to separate ourselves). She talks about the powerful forces we have inside, such as instinct, intuition, creativity, and love. In this book, she explores the wild woman and helps us come into contact with this ageless powerful part of our psyche. I admit - I straight up cried through some of the stories. I hope this book resonates with you and I would love to hear about how it impacts you in the comment section.

If you need a reading schedule or want to follow along with the schedule I am using, here you go:

April 1 Introduction Singing over the Bones
April 2 Chapter 1 The Howl
April 3 Chapter 2 Bluebeard
April 4 Chapter 3 Vasalisa the Wise Tasks 1-4
April 5 Chapter 3 Vasalisa the Wise Tasks 5-9
April 6 Chapter 4 Hymn for the Wild Man
April 7 Chapter 5 Skeleton Woman 
April 8 Chapter 5 Skeleton Woman
April 9 Chapter 6 The Ugly Duckling
April 10 Chapter 6 The Mistaken Zygote
​April 11 Chapter 7 Joyous Body
April 12 Chapter 8 The Feral Woman
April 13 Chapter 8 The Feral Woman
April 14 Chapter 9 Returning to Oneself
April 15 Chapter 9 Returning to Oneself
April 16 Chapter 10 Clear Water
April 17 Chapter 10 Clear Water
April 18 Chapter 11 Retrieving a Sacred Sexuality
April 19 Chapter 12 Marking Territory
April 20 Chapter 13 Battle Scars
April 21 Chapter 14 Initiation in the Underground Forest
April 22 Chapter 14 Initiation in the Underground Forest
April 23 Chapter 15 Shadowing
April 24 Chapter 16 Wolf's Eyelash and Afterword

And as usual, I invite you to join me for a facebook live on the last Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. (April 25th) MST/7 p.m. EST where I discuss the book. Bring your favorite bevvie of choice! To find facebook live (I call it DRSW Afterhours) https://www.facebook.com/events/589769789726646 I hope to see you there!

If you need the book, I also included an amazon link where you can order it, and if you would like to see my entire reading challenge, go to this page. Alternatively, you can check out the other reading challenge posts on my blog orreading challenge page. 

Happy reading!

Dr. Sarah

​You probably know that I believe that healthier, happier, more emotionally intelligent humans make for healthier, happier pets. This is why I started a monthly reading challenge - so we can also improve ourselves together! When you create a better you, everybody around you (including your pets!) benefit as well.

If you missed my January and February reading challenges, well - you can still get caught up, especially since this month is a much easier read.

March's book is Mindful Moments. I chose this book for a couple of reasons:

• If you have been tracking along with me, then you know we did a LOT of self improvement reading in January with Atomic Habits and February with Mindset: the New Psychology of Success.
• I thought this month we could take a wee bit of a break and get caught up on the first two books as well as enjoy a new book that is more of a devotional than anything. 
• I love Deepak - I've read several of his books, including Metahuman and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and I always get a lot out of his point of view. This book is so simple to read - there are simple phrases for each day that you can meditate on throughout the day and see how it impacts your own view of the world. 
• Did I mention this book is easy to read and won't take hardly any of your time? That way you can devote some time to implementing what you learned from Atomic Habits and Mindset and continue to unleash your greatest potential! I'm so excited for you!!

• Here is the reading schedule for Mindful Moments that I recommend:
• Every day, read one page/concept in the morning. Then, ponder that phrase/page/concept all morning.

• Then, read one page/concept/phrase around noon time and ponder it in the afternoon.

• Then,read one page/concept/phrase before you go to bed. Think about it before you go to sleep. 

​A couple of tips for reading challenge success:

1. Try to read at the same place and time every day to build consistency and good habits.
3. Try keeping a journal about your thoughts as you work through this book. 
4. Get your book for next month - Women Who Run with Wolves
5. If you got behind on the reading challenge for January or February, this is an excellent time to catch up!
5. Join me for a Facebook Live on March 28th at 5 p.m. MST/4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST as I discuss this book during DRSW after hours - I will drink wine, you can have your bevvie of choice, we will chat, and have a great time. Be sure to mark that you are attending, and I will see you there! :-)

Happy reading, and stay mindful!

xoxo~Dr. Sarah

I believe that healthier, happier, more emotionally intelligent humans make for healthier, happier pets, which is why I started this monthly reading challenge! When you create a better you, everybody around you (including your pets!) benefit as well!

This month's book is Mindset: the new Psychology of Success. I chose this book because, I've read it before many times, and it has greatly impacted the way I think in all aspects of my life in positive ways. I used to have a really tough time with failure...really tough. I felt like it defined me, damaged me, and every time I failed it was the end of the world. 

This book helped me reframe all that, so I want to read it again with you! Consider this book your love note to yourself during February, the month of love.

Here is the reading schedule I will be utilizing:

2/1: Chapter 1
2/2: Chapter 2 Grow Your Mindset**
2/3-2/5: Chapter 2
2/6: Chapter 2 Grow Your Mindset**
2/7-2/9: Chapter 3
2/10: Chapter 3 Grow Your Mindset**
2/11-2/12: Chapter 4
2/13: Chapter 4 Grow Your Mindset**
2/14-2/16: Chapter 5
2/17: Chapter 5 Grow Your Mindset**
2/18-2/19: Chapter 6
2/20: Chapter 6 Grow Your Mindset**
2/21-2/23: Chapter 7
2/24: Chapter 7 Grow Your Mindset**
2/25-2/27: Chapter 8
2/28: Chapter 8 Grow Your Mindset**

The chapters in this book are longer, so I gave us several days to get through them. The 'Grow Your Mindset' days are for the sections at the end of each chapter where the author gives us several exercises to work through to...you guessed it...grow our mindsets.

​











​A couple of tips for reading challenge success:

1. Download the PDF calendar, print it out, and post it somewhere you will look at it every day. Check off each day as you complete the reading or exercises for that day.
2. Try to read at the same place and time every day to build consistency and good habits (remember our book from last month!)
3. A journal is helping for the grow your mindset exercises.
4. Keep notes on what stands out to you - I would love to hear about it!
5. Get your book for next month - Mindful Moments, by Deepak Chopra!

Happy reading!

xoxo~Dr. Sarah

Did you know that during the month of February, veterinary professionals actively promote awareness around dental health in dogs and cats, and often offer awesome discounts on dental care and dental products?
It's true!


Dental health is incredibly important to your pet's overall health and wellness. Dental disease causes more than just bad breath - it is painful, shortens the life of dogs and cats, and reduces their quality of life.

When a pet develops periodontal disease, they have infection and inflammation in their gums. Bacteria from the mouth can then enter the bloodstream and land in the heart or kidneys, putting extra wear and tear on these organs, shortening the life of the pet. 

Dogs and cats can start developing dental disease as soon as they get their adult teeth - around 6 months of age. In fact, over 70% of pets over the age of two are suffering from some level of dental disease. Just like people, dogs and cats get plaque buildup on their teeth. Plaque can be scraped or wiped off, but if it sits on a tooth for longer than 72 hours it can harden into tartar, which requires professional equipment to remove!

Fortunately, there are several things you can do help promote dental health in your pet:

• Brush your pet's teeth every 1-2 days. You can also use dental wipes or rinses as well, but brushing is best. Here is a video on how to train your dog for teeth brushing.  If you are just getting started, it may benefit you to have your pet's teeth and gums checked by a veterinarian before you start to make sure there aren't any painful teeth, and if there is tartar buildup, your veterinarian can remove it so that when you brush your pet's teeth, you are actually helping them!
• Provide long-lasting dental chews (chewing reduces plaque buildup)
• Feed your pet a food that is formulated to reduce plaque build-up (like Hill's T/D)
• Have your pet's teeth examined yearly by a veterinarian, and if any dental disease is noted, schedule a cleaning under anesthesia. (psst - dental work can be pricey, you can offset your cost with a https://www.pumpkin.care/). Also ask your vet what you can do at home to support your pet's oral health.
• Be sure to ask your vet for any dental promotions they are running this month to save BIG. If your vet is already booked up with dentals for the month of February (which often happens), ask them if they would be willing to extend the discount if you schedule in March, and put a note on your calendar for January 2024 to call your vet and get your pet scheduled for dental work in February next year. 
• Give your pet a daily omega 3 fatty acid supplement like those found in fish oil. There are several studies that say omega 3 fatty acids benefit dental health - be sure to check with your veterinarian before starting any supplements to make sure they are right for your dog.
• Give your dog a good daily probiotic to help balance their gut flora (which impacts that rest of the body!).
• Use a zinc ascorbate cleansing gel on your pet's teeth daily.

It can be hard to choose dental products that actually do what they claim to do on the label. Here is a few of my favorite dental products that you can purchase for your pet!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Dental Health:

How often do I need to brush my pet's teeth?
Pets accumulate dental plaque just like humans do, so ideally you should brush your pet's teeth daily. It helps to set up a habit so you remember, such as, every time I brush my teeth, I brush my pet's teeth. If you can't brush every day, try to brush every 3 days because it takes that long for plaque (which can be removed with a brush) to harden into tartar (which can't).

Do I have brush the inside of my pet's teeth? They won't say 'AH!"
Fortunately, pets don't seem to accumulate much plaque on the inner surfaces of their teeth (the tooth surfaces that are closest to the tongue). You can give your pet the benefit of brushing just the outsides of the teeth - play close attention to the big teeth in the back and the canine teeth where pets seem to accumulate the most plaque, and don't forget the bottom jaw!

I'm brushing my pet's teeth but they are stained brown and don't seem to get cleaner. What am I doing wrong?
You aren't doing anything wrong - the brown staining is most likely dental tartar that is hard, adhered to the tooth and can't be removed with brushing alone. If this is the case, your best choice is to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet so that you can start fresh with clean teeth!

Do dental chews help clean a dog's teeth?
Chewing safe, long-lasting chews can definitely help to scrape teeth clean. And chewing is good for your dog's mental and emotional health as well! What science has found is that it isn't necessarily the type of chew but how long the dog chews for - chews that last 10-2 minutes are more effective than chews that last less than 10 minutes. 

Why are veterinary dental cleanings so expensive? They cost more than my dental cleanings!
Pets don't understand that we are trying to help them when we clean their teeth - we can't ask them to say 'AH!' and if we tried to clean their teeth while they were awake, it would be incredibly stressful for them and we would not be able to clean below the gumline, where most dental disease likes to hide. Therefore, we have to anesthetize animals when we clean their teeth, and anesthesia is very costly. Most dental cleanings will cost $800-$1000 and more if there is any dental disease that requires extractions. To budget for yearly dental cleanings, I recommend saving $100 a month, or investing in pet insurance or a veterinary wellness plan that includes dentistry. 

How does dental disease affect my pet's overall health?
If your pet has periodontal disease (gum disease), then that means your pet has inflammation in their mouth. Periodontal disease increases the body's burden of inflammation, and chronic inflammation is a key contributor to many health problems. Furthermore, bacteria gets into the bloodstream from infected gums and showers the valves of the heart and the kidneys, increasing wear and tear on these organs, shortening a pet's life space. Lastly, dental disease is chronically painful.