Pets

Can you tell me the signs that a dog might be depressed?

Recognizing Signs of Dog Depression: Insights from an Emergency Vet

You tell me this signs that a dog might be depressed. I will do my very best. So one of the most common signs that I see as an emergency veterinarian, is they will become a little less excited about the things that they normally love. So if they normally love to chase the ball, go on walks. Eat you all the sudden, see a decrease in wanting to do those activities or a decrease in eating overall. A lot of owners will mention that they're just withdrawn, maybe they find places to hide and they're not as engaged in general. So that's it's probably some of the most common signs that jumped out to me. And that owners report when their dogs are just sad about something, I'll often see it. If maybe a caretaker has passed away or a housemate that was another dog has passed away and there's been a shift or a change and a dog, maybe need some time to adjust. So hopefully you can give him some TLC. Hopefully, your dog doesn't go through this at all but those are the most common things that I will have people report and that I will hear when it. Dog is what we would consider depressed.

Common signs of a depressed dog include decreased interest in activities they normally love, withdrawal, hiding and overall decrease in engagement.

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The signs that a dog might be depressed can include a decrease in excitement for activities they usually enjoy, such as playing fetch or going for walks. They may also show a decrease in overall appetite. Owners often notice that their dog becomes withdrawn, seeking out hiding places and displaying a lack of engagement. These are common signs reported by owners when their dogs are feeling sad or down. Situations such as the loss of a caretaker or a housemate can trigger these emotions in dogs, requiring them to adjust and potentially needing some extra care and attention. It's important to provide your dog with love and support during these times. Hopefully, your dog doesn't experience depression, but if they do, these are the signs to look out for.

What is the ideal toe nail length to trim to length in a dog?

The Perfect Dog Toenail Length: Expert Tips

What is the ideal toenail linked to trim in a dog? That's a great question. So it is really dependent on the dog. The main thing you want is to make sure they're not too long where there will catch on things or snag and tear because that can be really painful. A lot of times you want the nails off the ground, you don't want to hear that clicking when they're walking they'll wear naturally on their own and you'll notice that the back feet will wear faster than the front feet. And so, the front ones are the ones that you usually have to pay a lot of attention to and then the dewclaws that are up off of the ground that just Don't get natural where if you have questions, definitely check with your vet darker. Nails are a little harder to trim and not actually make them. Bleed white or clear Nails. You can actually see the triangle of the quick inside that you want to avoid and you want to try to trim up as close to that quick as possible without causing any bleeding. Hope that helps and try to try your best. But check with your vet, if you really can't get a toenail trim done on your dog, and they have really long irregular nails.

The ideal way to trim a dog's toenails is to make sure they are not too long and off the ground. Pay attention to the front feet, as they usually need more attention than the back. Avoid cutting into the quick (the triangle inside of the nail) when trimming clear or white nails, as this may cause bleeding. If unsure, consult your vet.

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The ideal toenail length to trim in a dog varies depending on the individual dog. The main goal is to ensure that the nails are not too long, as they can catch on things or tear, causing pain. Ideally, the nails should not touch the ground, and you should not hear a clicking sound when the dog walks. The back feet tend to wear down naturally faster than the front feet. Pay close attention to the front nails and the dewclaws, which may not wear down naturally. If you have any questions or concerns, it's best to consult with your vet. Darker nails can be more challenging to trim without causing bleeding, while white or clear nails allow you to see the triangle of the quick inside, which you should avoid cutting. Trim the nails as close to the quick as possible without causing any bleeding. If you're having difficulty trimming your dog's nails, consult with your vet for assistance, especially if the nails are long and irregular.

Why does my dog continue to get ear infections?

Unraveling the Mystery: Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections?

Why does my dog continue to ear infections? That's a great question. So one of the most common reasons that people don't think about is that dogs will show allergies as Skin issues, or ear infections, so, will commonly see dogs that have underlying allergies and usually to Something in the environment, grass pollen, even fleas and they will manifest as an ear infection. Where a lot of times people will have respiratory issues. Dogs will have skin issues and so that's one reason for chronic ear infections. Ins, the other is it hasn't been treated properly. We often might see bacteria yeast or just inflammation in the ear. So, if a cytology or sample hasn't been taken, you might not be treating your pet with the right medication to kill what's actually in the ear cleaning is another really important component of battling, an ear infection. If your dog has a really deep ear canal and stuff is building up in there then, even if you're putting medicine in, it's not penetrating fully. So we usually recommend a really good work up by your veterinarian. Marion just determine what type of infection it is. Is there an underlying cause that could be going on? Are you cleaning sufficiently and then rechecking at the end of a new treatment to make sure that the treatment has been effective and the infection is fully clear, but if they're having chronic issues and especially they live here, in the South definitely have them checked out for allergies. That is the most common reason that I see the dogs have recurrent ear infections, hope it helps.

Dogs can get chronic ear infections due to allergies or not getting the proper treatment. It is important to have a vet work up to determine what type of infection it is and if there is an underlying cause that could be going on. Cleaning their ears thoroughly is also important for battling an ear infection.

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Why does my dog continue to get ear infections? One common reason is underlying allergies that manifest as skin issues or ear infections. Dogs can be allergic to things in their environment like grass pollen or even fleas. While humans may experience respiratory issues, dogs often show allergies through skin problems and ear infections.

Another reason for chronic ear infections is improper treatment. If the infection hasn't been properly diagnosed or the right medication hasn't been used, the infection may persist. Cleaning the ears is also crucial in combating ear infections. If the dog has a deep ear canal and debris builds up, medication may not fully penetrate.

It's important to have a thorough examination by a veterinarian to determine the type of infection and any underlying causes. Adequate cleaning and follow-up checks are necessary to ensure the treatment is effective and the infection is fully cleared.

If your dog experiences chronic ear issues, especially if you live in the South, it's advisable to have them checked for allergies. Allergies are often the most common reason for recurrent ear infections in dogs.

How do you approach discussions of quality of life and humane euthanasia with clients?

Approaching Quality of Life & Euthanasia Discussions with Empathy & Support

He approached discussions of quality of life in Humane euthanasia with clients. So how does emergency veterinarian? Unfortunately, this is a very large part of my job. There is not ever a shift where I don't have to have this discussion with the pet owner or performing euthanasia unfortunately. And so, it is something I'm really familiar with and I would say, have a couple big things that I try to do. So, number one is, I approach it with as much kindness, empathy, and being non-judgmental as I possibly can. And so owners want to understand what's going on with their pet, and sometimes you have to speak very frankly to them, they also need to know if their pet is suffering or if it's something you can't fix. The other thing is they want assurance that they're making the right decision. And so I will always tell owners my job is to get you the information. You need to make this decision, but I'm worried about a b and c or if they do decide to euthanize, I will make sure that they know that I support their decision. I'm there for them and I think it was the right decision, but I usually try to allow Owners to bring it up on their own by giving them information guiding and kind of explaining how their pet is experiencing something really difficult and you're not practice, it can be a little harder because a lot of times a pet Me Slowly be wasting away from a chronic disease or just being a significant pain because of age. And a lot of times is owners. They will say Well they're still eating but we'll talk about other things that they really used to enjoy that they don't do anymore. And that eating is a sign that they just don't want to starve to death. It doesn't mean that they feel good and they're not suffering and so that is a little harder sometimes. And really what you do is get to the root of why does this pet mean so much to them and what does it really look like if they don't make that decision and that often helps them, understand that it is the right decision and the right time for the pet, even though it's never easy on us. And so, the big thing is being kind non-judgmental and empathetic, but speaking for the pet because that's our job,

As an emergency veterinarian, a large part of my job is discussing humane euthanasia and quality of life with clients. I approach these discussions with kindness, empathy and non-judgmentalness, while also giving clients the information they need to make the right decision for their pet. I explain how their pet is experiencing something difficult and that eating is not always a sign that they feel good and aren't suffering. I also try to get to the root of why the pet means so much to them, which often helps them understand that it is time to make the decision, even though it's never easy.

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When approaching discussions of quality of life and humane euthanasia with clients, I prioritize kindness, empathy, and being non-judgmental. Unfortunately, these discussions are a significant part of my job as an emergency veterinarian.

Owners want to understand their pet's condition and whether they are suffering or if the issue is untreatable. I provide them with frank information while being sensitive to their emotions. It's important for owners to feel assured that they are making the right decision. I let them know that my role is to provide them with the necessary information to make an informed decision. If they choose euthanasia, I offer my support and reassure them that it was the right decision.

I try to allow owners to bring up the topic on their own by providing them with information and guiding them through the difficult process. In some cases, pets may be slowly deteriorating from a chronic illness or experiencing significant pain due to age. Owners may mention that their pet is still eating, but I explain that there are other factors to consider, such as the loss of activities they used to enjoy. Eating alone does not necessarily indicate that the pet is not suffering.

To help owners understand the right decision for their pet, I delve into why their pet holds such importance to them and discuss the potential consequences of not making the decision. This helps them realize that it is the right time to let their pet go, even though it is never easy for us.

Overall, my approach involves kindness, non-judgment, empathy, and advocating for the well-being of the pet, as that is our responsibility as veterinarians.

Embrace Courage: The Power of Trusting Your Gut

What is your single best advice in life? So I'm going to emergency veterinarian, I have always been very driven and one of the things that my dad told me long ago, that stuck with me is sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission and I would say I've lived my entire career by that I have never been Boxed In by what other people have said. I should do either as a female or as a veterinarian in general. And I really like to push the boundaries of things. I really like to try things and I am more than willing to Say it wasn't the right decision but I have no problem making a decision and making the jump and making the leap if I really feel like it's the right thing to do. And so, I think the best piece of advice. You can tell yourself is sometimes better to ask for forgiveness than permission, go with your gut, trust yourself, be brave. And I think some of the best things in life will happen to you both in your personal and professional life.

Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission, go with your gut, trust yourself, and be brave.

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My single best advice in life is to remember that sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. This advice was given to me by my dad long ago, and it has stuck with me throughout my career and personal life. It has allowed me to be driven and not be limited by what others say I should or shouldn't do, whether it's related to my gender or my profession as a veterinarian.

I believe in pushing boundaries, trying new things, and being willing to make decisions and take leaps of faith. Even if a decision doesn't turn out to be the right one, I have no problem admitting it and learning from it. Trusting your gut, being brave, and having the courage to make decisions can lead to some of the best experiences in both your personal and professional life.

So, my best advice is to go with your instincts, trust yourself, and be unafraid to ask for forgiveness rather than seeking permission. Embrace opportunities, take risks, and be open to the possibilities that life has to offer.

Why does my pet need heart worm prevention all year?

Year-round heartworm prevention: Protecting pets from mosquito-borne diseases

Why does my pet need heartworm prevention all year long? Well, the short answer is because mosquitoes around all year long, especially here in Texas. For I live in the south, we see mosquitoes, which transmit heartworm disease, to our pets all year. Now the best way to prevent them is that monthly pill or the injection, they can get at last six months to a year and it will kill them. Once you're infected right away and the worms will not have time to develop into adult worms in the heart. And cause major damage. Now, the other thing is, a lot of people don't think about heartworm prevention. Also has parasite prevention in it. And so for different types of worms, it will help prevent if your pet is outside and they are getting into things, it will help keep their intestines from having worms. So definitely recommend, heartworm, prevention year-round, you do not want your dog to get heartworms and mosquitoes are out there, so we want to protect them. Hope that helps.

Pet need heartworm prevention all year long because mosquitoes are around all year long and can transmit heartworm disease. Monthly pills or injections can kill the worms before they develop into adult worms in the heart, and also help prevent other types of worms if your pet is outside.

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Why does my pet need year-round heartworm prevention? Well, the simple answer is that mosquitoes, which transmit heartworm disease, are present all year, especially in regions like Texas. In the southern areas, mosquitoes can infect our pets with heartworm disease throughout the year.

The best way to prevent heartworms is by administering a monthly pill or injection that can last for six months to a year. This treatment kills the heartworm larvae before they have a chance to develop into adult worms in the heart, preventing major damage.

It's important to note that heartworm prevention also includes protection against other parasites. If your pet spends time outdoors and may come into contact with various sources, the prevention medication helps safeguard their intestines from worm infestations.

To ensure the well-being of your pet, it is highly recommended to provide year-round heartworm prevention. Mosquitoes are always present, and protecting your pet from heartworm disease is crucial.

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Dr. Tannetje Crocker is a 2009 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She practiced equine ambulatory medicine for three years before transitioning to small animal medicine. She currently practices in Grapevine, TX and is passionate about mentoring young veterinarians. Growing up, she was passionate about horses and competed on the Texas A&M Equestrian Team. During her first year of vet school she met and married her husband Shane Crocker. They have two children and enjoy riding horses and exploring the world together.

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