Dr. Wesley Cochran, DVM

Cats and dogs are the favorite nesting grounds of four principal groups of worms and a few species of microscopic protozoa (single celled organisms). The four worms are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Among the protozoa are coccidia, toxoplasma, and giardia.  Almost all puppies and kittens have some type of internal parasite feeding on their blood and protein. These parasites can affect your pet's ability to absorb nutrients, and without treatment, they can potentially damage the lining of the intestinal tract.

Tapeworms can be passed onto your pet through fleas, which sometimes carry this parasite in its larval stage. Pets also can get them by eating infected rodents.

Hookworms attach themselves to your pet's intestinal lining, causing bloody or dark diarrhea. Whipworms, which can be found in the large intestine, also can cause diarrhea. If you notice blood in your pet's stool, collect a sample to take into your veterinarian, because the worms and eggs are only visible by microscope.

Last, but of course not least, is the roundworm, which lives in the small intestine. These worms may cause vomiting and resemble strands of spaghetti in your pet's stool. They are easily transmitted to humans, especially children, and can cause serious human health problems, including blindness.

Proper identification is vital. Unfortunately, in the case of parasites, identification isn't always easy because adult worms release their eggs sporadically. Knowing exactly what the problem is, is the first step in finding a solution.

It's very important to bring your pet's fecal sample (bowel movement) to your veterinarian every time they have vaccines, and especially when they are having intestinal concerns at home.  Collect a fresh fecal sample that is no more than a few hours old.  An annual fecal check is good preventive medicine.

Treatment begins once the specific parasites are identified.  It is important to realize that different parasites will require different medications. The veterinarian can prescribe the proper treatment for your pet.  Preventative medications are also used, and may be administered as recommended by the veterinarian.

Most treatments take only a few days. However, periodic checking is necessary to be sure that all intestinal worms have been eliminated. A fecal sample should be reexamined about three to four weeks after the deworming. .

Once the problem is treated, it makes sense to prevent reinfection.  Feces are the greatest source of most worms. To avoid worms, keep your pet away from areas where other animals have relieved themselves and dispose of feces as quickly as possible in your own yard.  With some intestinal worms, treatment of the environment also may be needed. 

Under some conditions of poor hygiene, worms can be transmitted to humans. Discuss the risk of human exposure with your veterinarian.

How can you protect your family and pet from these common parasites? If your children enjoy playing in the sandbox, remember that the neighborhood cat might, too. If the sandbox has become his litter box, your children run the risk of contracting roundworms through fecal-oral transmission. Children are more prone to roundworm, but gardeners also need to beware. That neighborhood cat may be using your garden for his litter box as well. The best preventatives are to cover up the sandbox, wear gloves when gardening, and wash your hands after being outside. Many heartworm medicines now contain a preventative for whipworm, roundworm, and hookworm.  Please speak with your veterinarian about your pet's specific needs.

Have you taken inventory of your medicine cabinets lately? Are you properly storing lawn and garden pesticide containers? When you tidy up around the house, do you put food, liquor and tobacco products safely out of harm's way? These precautions are second nature to households with children, but homes with animals must be just as secure.

Aspirin and other pain relievers are in every home, and these poisonings can be severe. When aspirin is prescribed for animals, the dosage must be strictly followed. Too much aspirin can lead to anemia and gastric hemorrhage. Ibuprofen and naproxen will cause painful gastrointestinal problems. One 200mg ibuprofen tablet is toxic to a small dog.

Never give acetaminophen to a cat or dog. The drug affects a cat’s oxygen level in the blood and it produces severe depression. It also produces abdominal pain in dogs. If not quickly eliminated from the body, just two extra-strength tablets in 24 hours will most likely kill a small pet. Clinical signs in cats develop within one or two hours and include excessive salivation, paw and facial swelling, depression, and ash-gray gums. In dogs watch for anorexia, vomiting, depression, and abdominal pain.  High doses are usually fatal.

There are neurological poisons found in lawn and garden pesticides, insecticidal aerosols, dips and shampoos products. Signs of toxicity include, excessive salivation, urination, defecation, vomiting and diarrhea, excessive salivation, tremors, hyper-excitability or depression and pinpoint pupils. If an animal has absorbed enough of any neurological toxin, sudden death may be the only sign.

Coumarins, most recognizable as D-Con, a rat and mouse poison, affect the ability of the blood to clot. Mice that consume the poisoned grain essentially bleed to death. Your pets will be affected the same way, and the severity of the symptoms often depends on the amount ingested. Cats that eat poisoned mice can also become ill.  If your pet has ingested rat poison, you must call your veterinarian immediately.  You may see labored breathing, anorexia, nosebleeds, bloody urine or feces and pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums.

Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems.

Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic, even in low quantities, include pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs (contain naphthaleneor paradichlorobenzene - one or two balls can be life threatening in most species), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which can cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play-dough (contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.

All automotive products such as oil, gasoline and antifreeze, should be stored in areas away from pets. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a seven-pound cat, and less than one tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog.
Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of products are recommended for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your animal or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is labeled, "for use in dogs only," this means that the product should NEVER be applied to cats or other pets. Also, when using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE use of the product.

Garbage is not often regarded as poisonous. However, toxins are produced by bacteria fermenting the garbage. Rapid and severe signs include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, painful abdominal distention, shivering, shock, and collapse.

How should pets be protected from these poisons?  Some very simple rules to follow are:

• Properly dispose of and store all pesticide containers up and out of sight of your pets. Make sure the lids are tight, the containers undamaged.
• Use cords or locking lids for garbage cans. Put them in a heavy frame to prevent knock-down.
• Keep pets off lawns sprayed with chemicals. Consult with the lawn care company for proper information on drying time and compounds used. Wash pets' feet with mild soap and water if exposed.
• Keep your pets out of vegetable and flower gardens.
• Encase compost piles or use commercially made containers.
• Never assume that a human drug is applicable to an animal unless a veterinarian instructs you to use it.

They may be fat and happy, but they may also be in danger.

It's the picture of contentment . . . your favorite furry four-legged companion, curled up on the floor in a patch of warm sunlight, snoozing with a belly full of the steak scraps left over from last night's dinner. Oh yes, he's content. But is he healthy?  Not likely. Ensuring your pet's health goes beyond resisting the sad eyes and whimpers that plead for leftovers. Ignoring the content of your pet's food and his need for exercise can lead to dangerous health habits that may haunt both you and your pet in the future.

Improper diet for your pets can lead to health problems serious enough to endanger their lives. Extra pounds on an overweight dog can be associated with heart and respiratory ailments and skeletal stress, and obese dogs and cats are more prone to diabetes.

Controlling your dog and cat’s diet and being aware of what to look for in the food you buy is as important for your pets as it is for your two-legged family members. As many as 89 percent of dog and cat owners feed their animals table scraps occasionally, according to a study done by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). But unfortunately, not only is people food often too high in fat for an animal to appropriately metabolize, but your pet may become a more finicky eater, refusing healthier pet food when the table scraps are gone.

But table scraps are not the only pitfall when it comes to nourishing those four-legged friends of ours. Many pet foods also have a high fat content, which, of course, they love. The more they eat it, the more they love it, and many eventually refuse to eat anything else.

But eating a healthy diet is only half the battle for you and your pet. Exercise is also an important tool to help keep your furry friends in shape.

Carrying around extra weight is as big of a deal for your pet as it is for you.  In fact, experts say that up to 60 percent of all adult dogs are overweight or likely to get that way due to age or activity level.

You might think that a couple of extra pounds on your pup isn't a big deal, but you'd be wrong. An extra five pounds on a dog that should weigh 17 pounds is similar to an extra 50 pounds on a person who should weigh 170 pounds. Obesity is associated with heart and respiratory problems, diabetes, skeletal stress, and gastrointestinal disorders in pets.

Often our pets get a little pudgy because we love them so much. We love them, so we share our food with them. We love them, so we feed them whenever they look hungry. We love them, so we give them snacks or treats throughout the day. These nice but dangerous feeding habits can lead to extra pounds on your pet.

Weight problems can also go hand-in-hand with inactive lifestyles. Animals carrying a heavy load have an increased likelihood of tearing ligaments and wearing down joints. When their joints become damaged and painful, animals don't want to exercise, which then adds to their weight problems. This is especially a problem with older dogs.

If you think your dog may be overweight, check with your veterinarian, who can give you advice on a proper diet and exercise program.

Getting the cat off the couch
Cats can make laziness into an art form: snoozing in the afternoon sun, stretching a little before they plop down on your lap for the night. But as immobile as they seem, they still need to get up and move on a regular basis. Cats are a bit different than dogs, however--they're designed for short, frequent periods of intense activity, rather than longer, slower-paced exercise sessions.

There are some wonderful toys you can buy to get your cat active, including kitty trees that will let her climb to the ceiling and mechanical animals she can chase around the room. There's no reason to reach into your wallet for toys your cat may or may not like, however, when there is endless entertainment around the house. There are a few main ways you can entice your kitty into activity:

• Things she can bat. Anything light that moves easily across the floor can give your cat a chance to practice hitting and chasing. Balled up pantyhose and paper work well; for some reason the rings that come off of milk jug caps also seem to be irresistible. Just make sure that she's not batting anything she could chew up or swallow.
• Things she can chase. Any moving object, such as a rope or feather, should bring out the predator in even the most sedentary cat. Again, just make sure that she does not swallow the object you are playing with.
• Things she can explore. Empty boxes and paper bags may get your cat to climb in, out, and on top.
• Things she can scratch. Scratching stretches and tones the muscles in your cat's shoulders and back. A scratching post--or even a piece of cardboard or carpet--can keep her active without shredding your sofa.

Whatever game you play with your cat, don't use your hand or fingers as "bait" or as the object of teasing. This teaches him that it is all right to scratch and bite your hands--a lesson you will want your cat to unlearn in the future.

The key is to find out which kind of toy is the most tempting to your cat and to use it consistently. You may have to try a lot of different activities to before you find your kitty's favorite. Some cats can even be trained to walk outside on a leash.

Exercising Your Pet

We know that your pet is very important to you. A companion, a friend, and in a real sense a member of your family. In order to reduce the number of animals ending up in shelters or being euthanized, discuss neutering your pet with your veterinarian. Together you can work as a team to help reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned animals.

Both male and female dogs and cats are mature enough to reproduce between the ages of six to nine months.

Female dogs generally go through an estrus or heat cycle every six months. This is accompanied by a proestrus or bleeding cycle prior to her true heat cycle in which she is very receptive to the advances of male dogs. This heat cycle may last for several days or up to three or four weeks. Often female dogs will experience some personality changes during heat cycles such as becoming short-tempered or anxious.

Female cats come into heat cycles every three to four weeks during certain times of the year. Many female cats will become nervous during these heat cycles and exhibit unusual behaviors such as rolling on the floor, furtively hiding, or wanting constant attention. Female cats often become quite vocal, too, meowing plaintively through their cycle.

Surgical neutering of female dogs and cats called ovariohysterectomy (spay), completely eliminates all heat cycles and the accompanying unwanted bleeding cycle, nervousness, and desire to mate. Spaying your female dog or cat will also protect your pet from uterine infections and other diseases, as well as difficult or dangerous pregnancies. Studies show that by spaying your female dog before her first heat cycle, you can greatly reduce her chances of developing mammary cancer later in life. The surgery includes the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

Most male dogs and cats are ready and willing to reproduce by the time they are six to 12 months of age. There are able to breed consistently throughout the year or whenever they are exposed to a receptive female. Both male dogs and cats are prone to wander in search of a mate and find themselves exposed to fighting with another animals or dangers such as cars. In addition, male cats are well-known to mark their territories by spraying urine on furniture, walls, shrubs, etc. Male dogs are sometimes equally anxious to mark their territories.

Surgical neutering of male dogs and cats, called orchiectomy (neutering), eliminates reproductive behavior and reduces urine odor and the desire to spray. Your male dog or cat will continue to have his own unique personality. He will be less likely to roam and enjoy staying at home more. The surgery completely removes the testicles.

Deciding to spay or neuter your pet is a decision you should discuss with your veterinarian.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever before. However with this increased lifespan comes an increase in the types of ailments that can afflict senior pets. As pets reach the golden years, there are a variety of conditions and diseases that they can face, including weight and mobility changes; osteoarthritis; kidney, heart, and liver disease; tumors and cancers; hormone disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalance; and many others.

Just as the health care needs of humans change as we age, the same applies to pets. It’s critical for pet owners to work closely with their veterinarian to devise a health plan that is best for their senior pet.

When Does “Senior” Start?
So when is a pet considered a senior? Generally, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats live longer than dogs. Beyond that, the life span will vary with each individual, and the veterinarian will be able to help you determine what stage of life your pet is in. Keep in mind that some small dog breeds may be considered senior at 10 years, while giant breeds are classified as seniors at ages as young as five. The veterinarian is your best source for more information to determine when your pet reaches the golden years.

Senior Health Exams
Scheduling regular veterinary examinations is one of the most important steps pet owners can take to keep their pets in shape. When dogs and cats enter the senior years, these health examinations are more important than ever. Senior wellness exams are needed to catch or delay the progress of a problem early on. It is recommended that healthy senior dogs and cats visit the veterinarian every six months for a complete exam and laboratory testing. Keep in mind that every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to 5–7 human years.

During the senior health exam, the veterinarian will ask you a series of questions regarding any changes in your pet’s activity and behavior. The veterinarian will also conduct a complete examination of all of your pet’s body systems.  The veterinarian may request that some tests are preformed, tailoring them to you and your pet's needs.

Laboratory Testing
Veterinarians depend on laboratory results to help them understand the status of your pet’s health. When your pet is healthy, laboratory tests provide a means to determine your pet’s “baseline” values. When your pet is sick, the veterinarian can more easily determine whether or not your pet’s lab values are abnormal by comparing the baseline values to the current values. Subtle changes in these laboratory test results, even in the outwardly healthy animal, may signal the presence of an underlying disease.  During the senior years, laboratory tests are recommended every six months for healthy dogs and cats.

The Effects of Age—Sensory Changes
With the senior years comes a general “slowing down” in pets. As their major senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) dull, you may find that your pet has a slower response to general external stimuli. This loss of sensory perception often is a slow, progressive process, and it may even escape your notice. The best remedy for gradual sensory reduction is to keep your pet active—playing and training are excellent ways to keep their senses sharp.

Pets may also be affected mentally as they age. Just as aging humans begin to forget things and are more susceptible to mental conditions, your aging animals may also begin to confront age-related cognitive and behavior changes. Most of these changes are rather subtle and can be addressed in a proactive manner. Regular senior health exams can help catch and treat these problems before they control your pet’s life.

Physical Changes
The physical changes your pets experience are generally easier to spot than the sensory changes. For example, as the body wears out, its ability to respond to infection is reduced, and the healing process takes longer. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian if you notice a significant change in behavior or the physical condition of your pet.

A very common and frustrating problem for aging pets is inappropriate elimination. The kidneys are one of the most common organ systems to wear out on a cat or dog, and as hormone imbalance affects the function of the kidneys, your once well-behaved pet may have trouble controlling his bathroom habits. If you are away all day, he may simply not be able to hold it any longer, or urine may dribble out while he sleeps at night. In addition, excessive urination or incontinence may be indicative of diabetes or kidney failure, both of which are treatable if caught early enough.

Nutrition
Many older pets benefit from specially formulated food that is designed with older bodies in mind. Obesity in pets is often the result of reduced exercise and overfeeding and is a risk factor for problems such as heart disease and joint pain. Because older pets often have different nutritional requirements, these special foods can help keep your pet’s weight under control and reduce consumption of nutrients that are risk factors for the development of diseases, as well as organ or age-related changes.

Exercise
Exercise is yet another aspect of preventive geriatric care for your pets. You should definitely keep them going as they get older—if they are cooped up or kept lying down, their bodies will deteriorate much more quickly. Consult you veterinarian on what kind of exercise may be appropriate for your senior pet, especially in an arthritic or debilitated cat or dog. Otherwise, you should keep them as active—mentally and physically—as possible in order to keep them sharp.

Surgery for the Older Pet
In the event your veterinarian is considering surgery or any other procedure in which anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your senior pet.

For all senior dogs and cats it is necessary for them to have laboratory testing preformed, ideally within two weeks of any anesthetized procedure. Additional tests might also be recommended, depending on your individual pet. These screening tools can provide critical information to help determine the proper anesthesia and drug protocol for your pet, as well as make you aware of any special risk factors that might be encountered.

Pain Management
The different types of pain include acute pain, which comes on suddenly as a result of an injury, surgery, or an infection, and chronic pain, which is long lasting and usually develops slowly (such as arthritis). 

To help ensure your pet lives comfortably during the senior life stage, it’s critical to work with the veterinarian to tailor a senior wellness plan that is best for your dog or cat. Be sure to monitor behavior and physical conditions and report anything unusual to your veterinarian, so that they can help ensure that your senior pet continues to live happy and comfortably.


Please report any of these signs to your veterinarian:

• significant increase in water consumption, appetite, or urination

• weight loss or weight gain

• decrease in appetite or failure to eat 

• persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• difficulty in passing stool or urine

• change in housebreaking

• lameness

• decrease in vision or hearing

• foul mouth odor or drooling

• increasing size of the abdomen

• increased sleeping time or inactivity

• hairloss or other changes in haircoat

• excessive panting or exercise intolerance

• inability to chew dry food

• seizure (convulsion)

• coughing or gagging