I recently did some calculations that you might find surprising, but help put things into perspective and give you pause for thought before you drop that next piece of leftovers into your Pet’s mouth.  Take the typical 10 lb cat.  If you gave her just 1 ounce of cheese, that represents a whopping 50% of the calories that she needs every day!  The slice of deli ham that she appears to crave so much represents 20% of the calories she needs.  How about your dog?  For a typical 20 lb dog, 1 hot dog is 22% of the calories he needs, and that spoon of peanut butter you might use to help “the medicines go down “is 14% of the calories!  The 8 oz. bag of potato chips… forget it.  One bag provides 186% of the calories!  So with just a few examples you can see just how easy those small things we give each day add up to lots of unnecessary calories. 

How about some solutions?  Always remember that you can treat your Pet, but it does not have to be food.  New toys, hugs, pats and grooming are all treats that make them feel special too.  Keep the additional calories in treats and snacks to less than 10% of the calories per day, and always investigate and find the lowest calories you can.

Because I work around veterinarians each day, I knew the onset of his second seizure within just a few minutes of the first required emergency medical attention. I threw on shoes and a jacket, grabbed his medical records and drove to DoveLewis. This being my first experience in an animal emergency hospital, combined with Emerson’s worst seizure activity to date, I was terrified. I know multiple seizures in a short period of time can be life-threatening.

When I arrived at DoveLewis, Emerson was immediately seen by a compassionate veterinarian, who told me that even though Emerson is on anti-seizure medication, seizure “clustering” can still happen on occasion, and for no apparent reason. Emerson was then hooked up intravenously to medication that would help break the cycle of seizures, followed by a two-night stay in the hospital for monitoring.

I can’t adequately explain what it felt like to say goodbye to my little pup and leave to go home that night. The two days following were emotional. I missed my buddy, although I knew he was in good hands. A veterinarian from DoveLewis called me every morning with an update on his status. On Sunday, I was able to go pick him up. I’m happy to report that he is stable and back to his normal self. I followed up with an appointment with my Banfield veterinarian, who conducted a neurological exam and completed blood work. As his owner, the best thing I can do about his condition is to manage his symptoms with medication and ensure that he lives a healthy lifestyle and regular preventive care. I am grateful to Banfield and DoveLewis for taking such good care of him when he needed it.

Having a dog with epilepsy is always a difficult, stressful situation. Nevertheless, had I known Emerson would eventually develop this condition, I still would have chosen him when I adopted him from the Oregon Humane Society. I know most people think their Pets are special and unique, and I am no exception. Emerson has brought such immense joy, laughter and comfort to my life. I feel so blessed to be able to provide him with a loving home.

Probably the number one danger for most Pets is the heat. Almost everyone has heard how dangerous it can be to leave your Pet in a car. However, many of us don’t understand how quickly heat stroke can happen, and also don’t believe it will ever happen to us. Just a few minutes can be deadly to a Pet left in a car. The breeds most at risk are those with a short snout, such as Boston Terriers or Pugs. However, any breed can succumb to the heat so avoid all danger by refraining from leaving Fido in a parked car.

Another heat danger comes from jogging or running on hot pavement. We all know how much we enjoy our daily exercise routine with our Pets. In fact, they enjoy it so much that they will run on blisters, and even on burst blisters, appearing to ignore the pain they are in until the fun is over. Though blistering and other paw injuries can occur at any time of the year, they are certainly most common when the surface being run on is scorching. Therefore, pick a cooler time of the day or change your routine.

Paws are more prone to other injuries in the summer, especially in breeds with long paw fur, such as Cocker Spaniels. Grass seeds appear to be specially designed to get caught in long fur and then to burrow deeper, eventually burrowing into the skin, causing abscesses, draining wounds and severe pain. Make sure to check your Pet’s fur thoroughly anytime you come in from a long grassy area; you can check for ticks at this time too – another danger encountered more frequently in the summer.

Increased outdoor activity brings other dangers too, in the guise of barbecues. Certainly the smell of cooking must drive our furry friends insane at this time of year. However, with this olfactory nirvana, Pets are more prone to getting burned by trying to jump up at the barbecue. Furthermore, Pets have learned that hanging around the barbecue long enough will result in a tasty tidbit. However, the tidbit, no matter how tasty, can also cause dietary upsets, at the least some simple vomiting and diarrhea, at the most a condition known as pancreatitis, which can be potentially life threatening, especially if it goes untreated. So, refrain from letting your friend indulge and if a tummy upset does rear its ugly head, make sure to get to the veterinarian to ensure something more serious isn’t happening.

If the heat is dangerous, well so can the attempt to be cool. Pools and rivers are a big temptation, both as a cooling mechanism and to provide a sought after drink. However, there are dangers that our Pets, and often we, don’t take into account. Rivers and pools are a frequent cause of drowning, especially when an already exhausted dog takes the plunge only to find that the current is too strong, or there isn’t any way to easily exit a pool. Drinking from rivers can be a source of giardia, a parasite that causes a nasty diarrhea and requires veterinary treatment. Drinking from pools can be dangerous too, especially given the chemicals used to keep our pools clean. So make sure you know what is being used to keep your pool in good shape and don’t let your Pet drink from anything that might be a danger.

Summer is a time to enjoy and there certainly isn’t any reason why your furry friend shouldn’t partake in the festivities. Therefore, be sure to avoid any summer blues with a little planning and some small changes to your routine.

Emerson and I relish any opportunity to get out of the house for some fresh air. He enjoys his daily walks, but the Fourth of July holiday gives us the opportunity for extra time together, which usually means we take a small road trip.  Because I live within driving distance of the beach, and Emerson loves running around and playing “fetch” in the sand, my Fourth of July weekend plans entailed frolicking at the Pacific Ocean with him.

However, the downside to Fourth of July is the fireworks. There were plenty of kids playing with fireworks at the beach, which happens to be one of Emerson’s least favorite seaside activities. Emerson can get quite anxious, especially when it comes to loud noises.

From past years, I learned that the best solution is to keep him on an isolated part of the beach and away from the noisy firework festivities of any kind. This way, Emerson and kids can both enjoy the holiday. Anxious Pets can exhibit severe distress, leading up to destructive behavior. Sometimes, your anxious Pet will be happiest in the comfort of your own home. Banfield recommends making your home as comfortable as possible for your Pets during any potentially stressful time, such as the Fourth of July. Leaving on the TV a little louder than usual, playing the radio in each of the bedrooms and leaving on extra lights tends to mask many of the unfamiliar noises that startle Pets. In addition, your Pet may find comfort being kenneled while you are gone—it’s a safe zone for many Pets and they will rest easier knowing they are in familiar territory. 

Although veterinarians will generally recommend keeping Pets at home during Fourth of July and Emerson has more than his fair share of anxiety, I always find he is most content and comfortable wherever I am. My presence and the distraction of play enable him to ignore the loud noises and bright lights coming from fireworks. You will know what’s best for you and your Pet, and you can always go to your veterinarian for behavioral advice. I think that’s why Emerson was brave enough to endure pesky firework noises at the beach this past weekend. Apparently playing fetch with mom far outweighs the scary things in life!

A shy dog by nature, after a couple of trips to the dog park each spring, Emerson becomes more acclimated and social. Sometimes, he even plays with other dogs similar to his own size, or fetches the ball with me. It’s a great bonding experience for us, as well as a good chance for him to stay fit by exercising.

Even though he is fully vaccinated against such diseases as rabies and bordetella, I prefer to bring along my own supply of water for Emerson, along with a travel bowl. I’m always suspicious of what’s in the communal doggie water bowl at my local dog park. More than likely, I have nothing to worry about since Emerson is up to date on his vaccines. However, being that I lean on the side of neurotic (sometimes), I try to steer Emerson clear of the communal water bowl. Dogs can pick up diseases such as giardia from standing water, especially if other dogs have had recent access to it.

To understand the requirements of cats, it is useful to remember their heritage.  Cats evolved as solitary hunters.  Their days were full of short periods of brief high energy activity interspersed with much needed sleep, grooming and marking.  Hunting is a time consuming activity that takes between six and eight hours a day; only 1 in 15 hunting expeditions is successful.  Now that we have removed this need to seek and capture prey, and we have more compact streamlined homes, we have seen an increase in stress related behaviors.  To minimize stress there are a few absolute requirements that all cats need. 

• Personal Space: places to hide, places to explore, places to sleep, and places to observe – perches and cat trees are great! 
• Litter boxes: one more than the number of cats in the house, located somewhere quiet, always kept scooped and clean. 
• Separate food and water bowls, absolutely nowhere near the litter boxes.  Try getting a large dog size water bowl for your cat and keep it full with clean fresh water, you may be surprised at how much your cat appreciates drinking from a large bowl. 
• Scratching and climbing posts: scratching is a natural behavior to mark territories and to sharpen nails.  If you do not provide the right equipment, cats will improvise, usually on your newest, most expensive acquisition. 
• Toys: to replicate the hunting behavior and encourage exercise. 

By fulfilling a few needs, we can easily make our cats indoor lifestyles fabulous.

I am convinced that my Lhasa Apso, Emerson, feels better when he is well-groomed. True, I sometimes endure some criticism from family and friends about the fact that his tiny doggie toothbrush is next to mine in the bathroom, but it helps me remember to brush his teeth on a regular basis. While he may not have liked it at first, he is now a pro at having his teeth brushed. As long as he knows there is a treat in sight, and I use his favorite doggie toothpaste, he’s an active participant and willingly keeps his mouth open while I clean his pearly whites. Brushing his teeth makes sure that his breath stays fresh in between his dental cleanings and that he avoids developing health problems associated with poor oral health, such as gum disease. For tips on how to brush your Pet’s teeth, download this handy instruction sheet.

Speaking of grooming, most dogs I know (and being that I work at Banfield, I know several of all sizes, personalities, breeds, etc.), enjoy attention. Be it in the form of a belly rub or furbrushing, Pets need physical affection just like their human counterparts. I brush Emerson’s fur 2-3 times per week to keep him looking and feeling his best. You can pick up a Pet brush at any Pet specialty store. This is also a good time to check his skin, eyes, ears and coat for any abnormalities, such as discoloration, debris or unusual reactions when a certain body part is examined. Because it is flea and tick season, I also check him for fleas and ticks while I’m brushing.

If you have a busy schedule, remember that grooming activities (such as teeth brushing and fur/coat brushing) can double as quality bonding time with your Pet.

In the summer, it’s amazing how many opportunities exist to socialize my 3-year-old Lhasa Apso, Emerson. Granted, I live in the particularly dog-friendly town of Portland, Ore. That said, it seems that as the weather warms up, dogs accompany their owners on more and more activities—sometimes even to the grocery store (though it’s not always allowed and I follow the rules). I do, however, have a hard time leaving Emerson at home when he wants to come along on a jog, a hike or a quick trip to the dog park.

Luckily, Emerson is a champ when it comes to traveling in the car. He will do almost anything to ride along, whether it’s to a family function, a trip to visit my grandmother at her assisted living facility or a road trip. He is more than content to watch the scenery pass by and anticipate the exciting adventures that await him.

Varied exposure to other people and Pets is enriching not only for him, but to those around him. My grandmother’s eyes lit up this weekend when she saw him—a true testament to the fact that Emerson was a bright spot in her day. Of course, Emerson doesn’t always react positively to people. In fact, he can be very suspicious of new faces. One crucial part of being a responsible Pet owner is being in tune with your Pet and anticipating how it will react to certain people/situations. For the first few encounters with a new person, Emerson tends to lean on the side of being slightly territorial—and sometimes, even grumpy. With this in mind, I can take steps to  help create an easier transition for both Emerson and any new people he interacts with.

Sharing new experiences with your Pet is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond, learn more about your Pet’s personality and to promote the positive role Pets can play in our community.

If you haven’t done so before, consider taking your dog to a new setting and introducing him/her to new people and Pets. Remember to exercise caution until you know how your Pet will react in new situations.

Don’t forget to consider the temperature as spring and summer head our way. As it gets warmer outside, I have to use extra caution when bringing Emerson along in the car, as the inside temperatures can reach fatal levels in just a few minutes. If it’s warm outside and I’m leaving the house for a few minutes, or even hours, to run errands, I know he’s much safer at home than sitting in the car.

By exercise are you envisioning walking your cat on a leash around the neighborhood, just like a dog?  While I have seen pictures where some cat lovers have been able to convince their cat to wear a harness and leash to venture outside, I can assure you that that will not work for my little Houdini!  And we all know that cats are not small dogs!  So why bother?  If we are true and honest with ourselves, most of our cats are carrying a few extra pounds.  While some think that this is normal and ok, it really is not ok for our cats.  Those extra pounds make it more difficult for the cat to clean and groom, they lose their balance, flexibility and agility, and most importantly, those extra pounds can shorten their lives.  Did you know that overweight cats have a six fold higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus, a disease that carries a lifelong burden of medical and health issues, and early death?  Just a few minutes of exercise each day, combined with the appropriate diet can help keep our cats in healthy shape.

So, how do we exercise our cats?  The key approach is to capitalize on the natural hunting/predatory nature of the cat, and to replicate this with toys and games.  Spend some time at your local pet store.  Look for toys and games that are fast moving, that the cat can stalk, that have random movement or emit squeaks and sounds like prey.  Some of the toys are even battery operated robotics that don’t even need us to play with the cat.  These are a great solution for busy multi-tasking family.  Laser pointers, while they provide great random movement, are a no-no.  This may come as a surprise, but the laser pointer can never be caught by the cat.  The cat that can never catch the “prey” will become frustrated and give up on playing the game.

While encouraging exercise, did you know that toys and games are a great stress reliever for the cat?  This is especially important in our multi-cat homes where stress between our cats can lead to conflict and manifest in a variety of diseases such as lower urinary tract disease. 

Another great solution is to combine exercise with food.  You can buy, or even make your own food toys.  Food toys contain an inner cavity where you can put some of the daily food allowance.  The cat needs to play with the toy, move it around, bat it etc to get the kibbles to come out the small holes.  An easy home-made solution is to take an empty, clean, plastic soda bottle.  Put a few holes in the wall, just large enough to let the kibble come out, but not so large that the kibble easily falls right out.  Then spend some time playing with your cat, moving the new toy around to get a kibble or two to come out.  He or she will very quickly learn the game and happily play each day to get their meal!

I use FirstShield™ Trio, a monthly flea and tick control product on my 3-year-old Lhasa Apso, Emerson. My Banfield veterinarian recommended it as the safest way to keep him protected. I have to remind myself to apply it to Emerson monthly, but it’s worth the extra step. I remember the one (and only) time he got fleas. It was right after I adopted him. I’ll admit—at first, I had a lot to learn about owning a dog. In fact, there was a time when I completely underestimated the importance of preventing Emerson against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. He wrestled with other dogs, we went to dog parks, we took long walks through woodsy areas—all the while, Emerson was entirely unprotected. Lying on the couch with him one evening in the midst of all this, I saw the unthinkable: a black, pepper-sized bug that jumped three feet off his belly and onto the floor. The late-night process of ridding both Emerson and my house of the fleas included an 11:30 p.m. trip to get flea shampoo. Two years later, I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was a fiasco I do not want to repeat.

I now take his monthly topical treatment very seriously. Emerson now is protected against fleas, ticks—which can carry Lyme disease—and mosquitoes. Because just one mosquito bite can lead to heartworm disease, I am especially reassured that his preventive includes a mosquito repellant. I am committed to making sure that Emerson is flea-, tick- and parasite-free throughout his life.