Wondering About SAFE Holiday Foods for Your Pet?

GRAIN-FREE Dog Foods - YES OR NO?

According to an article by Kate Furthy in the Washington Post, veterinarians across the country are often seeing cases where a canine diet that is grain-free (high in legumes) may be linked to a type of heart disease that was originally, and primarily known, as only a genetic disorder. This link has triggered a joint investigation between the USFDA and Veterinarians. They have discovered the relationship between boutique, grain-free diets and a type of heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The symptoms can present as a cough, but move to a stage where the dog may stop eating, and has trouble breathing. ‘Canine DCM weakens the dog’s heart, preventing it from pumping enough blood, according to Dr. Adin, a Veterinarian in N.C. assisting in the investigation. The FDA issued a cautionary statement on July 12, 2019, that DCM was typically caused by a genetic predisposition in large breed dogs such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands...but more recent cases have included breeds like: Retrievers, Whippets, Shih Tzu, Bulldogs, Mini-Schnauzers, and mixed breeds.’ More specifically, this condition is linked to TAURINE deficiency. Taurine is an essential amino acid, and is an important nutrient in many dog foods, often found in organ meat, lungs, liver, etc which are all great for dogs to eat. The data from

this investigation to date has indicated that in dogs that are genetically predisposed to DCM, the condition, if left unchecked, can be irreversible. In dogs that are not genetically predisposed, proper treatment (adding taurine to the diet) can reverse the disorder if caught early enough. For more information about this topic, please ask our doctors.

Successful K9 Splash Bash Event!!

Congratulations goes out to the winner of the raffle proceeds:

Faithful Friends Pet Rescue & Rehoming

Officially founded in February of 2018, Faithful Friends was born out of a desired from a group of animal rescue veterans committed to transparency and community support.

• completed 675 adoptions in 2019, on pace for 1000 adoptions in just our second year.

•Over 75% of our dogs and 100% of cats in our program live in foster homes with families, learning to be pets. The small number in our kennels are usually, new moms and dogs needing a little extra medical care.

• Executive Director Andrea specializes in abandoned puppies, and mama dogs who find themselves in a shelter.

Worried About the Distemper Outbreak?

Is Distemper a contagious disease?

According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), canine distemper is an airborne dog-only (Canidae) disease that is caused by a virus. This virus invades your pets nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems.

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How can canine distemper spread?

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Other wildlife can carry this virus including raccoons, foxes, coyotes, wolves, ferrets and skunks. The interactions between wildlife animals and our pets can expedite the spreading of the virus. Although more commonly transmitted through a cough or sneeze, the disease can be spread through shared objects such as toys or drinking bowls. Every dog can be at risk of this virus, however, puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at a higher risk.

What are the symptoms of canine distemper?

The first sign of canine distemper is a pus-like discharge from their eyes. Followed by a possible fever, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. Dogs are also at risk for “hard pad disease,” which is the hardening and enlargement of the paw pads. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, muscle twitches and seizures.

How is canine distemper diagnosed and treated?

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Your local veterinarians diagnose distemper through clinical signs and diagnostic tests. Because there is no cure, veterinarians typically choose supportive care treatments and try to prevent secondary infections. Your veterinarian will mostly likely recommend your pet be quarantined/isolated for a period of time because of the contagious nature of the virus.

What can I do to prevent canine distemper?

Distemper Outbreak in Alachua County, Florida

Canine distemper is something you and your pup can prepare for ahead of time. A series of vaccinations is offered as preventative pet care by your local animal hospital. This increases the likelihood your furry friend’s immune system will be able to fight off the virus in the future. Keeping updated with your pets vaccination schedule is very important, as to avoid gaps between immunizations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! Bringing your dog to the store, or other dog parks may sound fun, but until he is fully vaccinated, it is just not worth the risk. If you have any questions, or would like to talk to one of our doctors about this topic, please call any location for availability!