Is Your Puppy at Risk?

Your puppy is brand new and you want to protect him. The best thing you can do is to feed him a healthy, balanced diet, provide plenty of exercise, and vaccinate for the following preventable infections! 

1. Parvovirus (Parvo)

This highly contagious virus attacks puppies aged between 12 weeks and up to 3 years. Transmitted through bodily secretions, parvovirus is easily passed on, though most dogs are vaccinated against it starting at six to eight weeks, then again every three weeks until they are four months old or have received 4 sets of vaccinations.

Symptoms: Parvo in dogs starts with a fever, and at this point puppies are probably very contagious (to other dogs, not humans). Dogs are lethargic and stop eating and drinking.  Vomiting and Diarrhea with dehydration are common in the first few days.  

Treatment: Vaccinate against parvovirus! If you haven’t, hospitalization is the best route, where your puppy will be given IV fluids and sometimes antibiotics to prevent sepsis, which can be fatal.

Recovery time: Three to seven days. Puppies with parvo are usually hospitalized for three to four days then go home with medications.

2. Distemper

The vaccination against distemper is quite effective. The first vaccination takes place at six to eight weeks, and requires a booster vaccinations.

Symptoms: Initially distemper in dogs typically appears as an upper respiratory disease with sneezing and eye discharge. Then it can develop into pneumonia or can lead to neurological problems such as a fatal encephalopathy (brain damage).

Treatment: Seek medical attention for distemper in dogs. This usually involves inpatient supportive care

Recovery time: It can take weeks to recover from canine distemper and pets usually go home from the hospital with respiratory medications.

The bad news about canine distemper is if your puppy survives it, the disease can lie dormant and break out again when she’s older. At that point she has an even worse prognosis because the disease can lead to neurological problems such as seizures.

3. Kennel Cough

Bacteria or parainfluenza viruses, both of which are airborne, cause kennel cough in dogs — also known as infectious tracheobronchitis. Dogs pass this virus similarly to the way Humans pass the common cold and do not need to be kenneld to contract this virus.   Puppies can be vaccinated against kennel cough starting at six to eight weeks, and then every six to 12 months after that, though the vaccine doesn’t necessarily protect against the disease, but does lead to milder symptoms and a quicker recovery time!

Symptoms: Kennel cough starts with lethargy, decreased appetite and fever, then puppies develop a deep, often productive, cough. If untreated, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia.

Treatment: If you note any unusual coughing from your puppy.

Recovery time: Kennel cough usually runs its course in 10 to 14 days.

4. Adenovirus

Adenovirus in dogs causes hepatitis, but it’s rarely seen these days because of the efficacy of vaccines. The adenovirus vaccine is given with the canine distemper vaccine.

Symptoms: It’s really difficult to know if your dog has adenovirus, but it typically starts with gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea and can develop into jaundice.

Treatment: Inpatient fluid therapy and nutritional support may be required. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and/or fluid reducers as necessary.

5. Leptospirosis

This bacterial disease can affect the kidneys and the liver and is transmitted through contaminated water and infected urine. Your puppy can be vaccinated against leptospirosis at 10 to 12 weeks, then again at 13 to 15 weeks. Be aware that not all clinics vaccinate for leptospirosis, so ask your veterinarian if it's appropriate for your puppy.

Symptoms: Symptoms of leptospirosis are flu-like: Vomiting and/or fever and/or lethargy.

Treatment: Antibiotics

Recovery time: Depending on the severity of the infection, an antibiotic course can last four weeks or more.

6. Vomiting (and Diarrhea)

If your puppy’s suffering from either of these symptoms, the first thing to rule out is intestinal parasites. If these are not the cause vomiting/diarrhea, your pooch has probably just eaten or licked something he shouldn’t have.

Treatment: Continue to offer water, and provide food if your puppy asks for it but that’s less essential than keeping them hydrated. After 12 hours (vomiting) or 24 hours (diarrhea), take your dog to your veterinarian if he’s not getting better. Your veterinarian can provide you with a therapeutic bland diet to help your puppy feel better.

Recovery time: Your puppy should recover from vomiting or diarrhea that is not related to a parasite within 12 to 24 hours.  If longer then follow up with your favorite Veterinarian to ensure there is a not an obstruction.

Call White House Animal Hospital today to schedule your pups vaccinations at 615-672-0357.  Schedule online at http://www.whitehousevet.com/contactus.html

Happy Spring! 

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357

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The Best Way to Show Thanks this Season is with an Annual Checkup...

All pets come with special care instructions. Feed daily, love forever and yearly checkups. We know you have the first two covered, but what about the last one? Yearly checkups are equally as important! They are essential to your furry friend’s happiness and well-being. They are the best way to keep your pet healthier, longer!

During our veterinarian’s physical exam, your pet gets checked from tongue to teeth to toes to tail. (Plus all the parts in between!) Our in-depth, medical checkup not only assesses your pet’s current health status, but also helps to prevent future problems, such as obesity, periodontal disease and diabetes. At this time, it also provides us with the opportunity to discuss all the ways to keep your pal in good shape and to answer your questions. We can cover any topic you want in the comfort of our exam room.

Yes, all pets do come with special care instructions:

Feed daily (but not from the Thanksgiving dinner table)

Love forever (you do that the best!)

Yearly checkups (we’re here to ensure your pet stays healthy!)
Stay Safe this Holiday Season! 

We’re grateful for your trust in us to recommend what’s best for your pet. Call us at 615-672-0357 to make an appointment for your pet’s yearly checkup or schedule online today! Your pet will be thankful too.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at White House Animal Hospital! 

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/

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Pets and Fireworks Don't Mix!

Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.

Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after the July 4th festivities.

Preparing in advance:

• Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider writing your contact information on your horses hoof during this stressful time.
• If your pets aren’t already microchipped, shchedule your pet for a Microchip Today. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
• If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
• Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
• If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or behaviorist at White House Animal Hospital!
  
• Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined? Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals; and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.

Safety during July 4th celebrations:

• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
• Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
• If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
• Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
• Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
  
• Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs of heat Stroke.
• Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
  
• If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.
• Follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to protect your family and guests.

After the celebrations:

• Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
• Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
• If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.

If you suspect your pet may have suffered a heat stroke, ingested a foreign object, or is having severe anxiety call White House Animal Hospital for help.  Call 615-672-0357 to get your pet in immediately. 

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/

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Start summer off right

Schedule your pet’s annual checkup todayto be sure your pet is healthy!

It’s summer! Time for BBQs, long hikes and refreshing water play! You and your pet enjoy this time of year. It’s filled with activity, fun and food!

There are a few things we have to talk about. First, is your pet eating the right food for their lifestyle? Meeting your pet’s nutritional needs is vital to their health and happiness. So before you take your big hike with Fido or start your movie marathon on the couch with Fluffy, bring in your furry friend for their annual exam.

Second, if your pet is just 10% over their ideal body weight (that may mean 1 lb. for a 10 lb. cat), they are at risk for developing serious medical conditions. Who wants that for their buddy? No way, you say! Come in for a checkup and a pit stop at the scale!

Third, most “people” food is not good for pets, especially from the grill! For example, feeding your pet chicken bones can cause tooth fractures and tear up their digestive tract during digestion.

Fourth, come in today to ensure your pets vaccinations and monthly preventives (Heartworm, Flea, and Tick) are up to date before heading out to the beach, lake, or park.  Let us know your vacation destination to ensure proper protection from disease!

Make an online appointment for your pet’s annual checkup today – we’ll give them a thorough physical exam from nose to tail! And we’ll talk about what they’re eating and if we have to make any changes.

Who loves your pet besides you? White House Animal Hospital of Course! Book your pet’s yearly exam today online or call 615-672-0357 Today so we can keep your pet healthy and happy this summer!

Dog Biscuit Recipies

February 23, 2016 is Dog Biscuit Day!  Lets Celebrate!

Here are a few recipes to make your own home-aid dog biscuits:

Beef Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups cracked wheat
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon brewers' yeast
• 1/2 cup dry milk powder
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/8 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine white flour, whole wheat flour, cracked wheat, cornmeal, garlic powder, brewer's yeast and instant milk. Stir in 2 cups broth. Mix the ingredients well using either your hands or an heavy duty electric mixer. The dough should be very stiff. Gradually mix in the remaining 1 cup broth to make a bread-dough consistency.
3. Roll the dough out to a 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thickness on a floured board. Cut out biscuits into any shape you please. Place the biscuits on the prepared cookie sheet. Brush the tops of the biscuits lightly with milk.
4. Bake the cookies 45 minutes; turn oven off completely but do not remove the biscuits. Let the biscuits sit in the oven overnight (for 10 hours). Store biscuits in an air-tight container.

Chicken Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rye flour
• 2 cups bulgur
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup dry milk powder

• 4 teaspoons salt
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Dissolve yeast in warm water until foamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose, whole wheat, and rye flours with the bulgur, cornmeal and powdered milk. Stir in the yeast mixture, salt and chicken broth to form a stiff dough. Add more broth if necessary to hold dough together. Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter. Place biscuits 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Combine the egg and milk; brush onto the tops of the biscuits.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the biscuits sit in the closed oven overnight to become extra hard and crunchy.

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups water, or as needed

 

• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. Mix together whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cornmeal and oats. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in water, oil, eggs, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well.
3. On a flat surface use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. Cut the dough into dog biscuit shapes using a cookie cutter. Place the biscuits onto the prepared cookie sheet.
4. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes. After the biscuits have cooked 20 minutes turn off the oven off but let the biscuits remain inside the oven for another 20 minutes to harden.

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup mashed banana
• 1 tablespoon honey

 

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten, for brushing

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Stir together the egg, peanut butter, banana, and honey in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly. Stir in the flour and wheat germ; mix well. Turn dough out onto a floured board and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with a cookie cutter, place on prepared baking sheet, and brush tops with egg white.
3. Bake biscuits in preheated oven until dried and golden brown, about 30 minutes, depending on size. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

 

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 sweet potato
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

 

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 eggs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prick sweet potato several times with a fork.
2. Heat sweet potato in a microwave on high until tender, about 6 minutes. Cut potato in half and scoop flesh out of the skin into a bowl; discard skin. Mash potato with a fork or potato masher and transfer about 1 cup to a large bowl. Save any remaining sweet potato for another use.
3. Mix whole wheat flour, applesauce, and eggs in the large bowl with the sweet potato until a dough forms. Turn dough out on a well-floured surface and roll dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter or cut dough into strips with a pizza cutter. Arrange cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
4. Bake until crisp, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Turkey and Cranberry Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries

 

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, or as needed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets, or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour and baking powder together until thoroughly combined, and stir in the cooked turkey meat and dried cranberries. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and drop the egg into the center; pour in the olive oil and about 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Mix into a soft dough. If mixture is too dry, mix in more chicken broth, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough is of desired consistency.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface, and knead for 1 to 2 minutes. Roll the dough out 1/4 inch thick, and cut out with your favorite cookie cutters.
4. Bake until the treats turn brown, about 25 minutes. Turn the oven off, and leave the dog treats in the oven an additional 30 minutes to dry out. Refrigerate leftover dog treats.

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357

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