Category: Pet Tips

Dr. Joel Conn’s segment “Pet Tips” aired Monday on 95.3 The Beach! The topic was “Traveling with a Pet.”  Tune in every Friday morning at 10:40am to hear more Pet Tips!

Click Here to Listen…

This week on Pet Tips We’re going to talk about Traveling with a Pet

Just like you wouldn’t throw your 2 year old in the car without some forethought, traveling with a pet should also involve a bit of planning.  Traveling can be stressful for pets, and if you are not careful, dangerous as well. 

First of all, it’s best to work up to the first trip gradually.  Introduce your pet to a parked car several times initially and give them lots of encouragement and treats to create a positive experience.  For pets that are persistently anxious, mild anti-anxiety medications can make the experience much less stressful. 

Does your pet suffer from motion sickness?  This doesn’t have to be a problem as there are a number of really effective and safe products that can entirely prevent nausea.  Also, it’s best to feed a smaller meal the day of travel and not offer any additional food until you have reached your destination.  Water, preferably brought from home, should be provided in small amounts at any stops. 

Pets should be secured in the vehicle to avoid being injured in the event of an accident and so as not to create a distraction for the driver. 

It’s not only illegal, but extremely unsafe, for dogs to travel loose in the back of truck and even those on a short tether can be seriously hurt in the event of a sudden stop. Instead, use a well-ventilated crate or carrier.   Pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle, as they can get into trouble and also quickly overheat even in moderate weather.

Finally, put together a travel kit that includes food, water, motion-sickness medications, travel documents such as health and vaccination certificates, and other essentials. Make sure your pet has an ID tag on its collar and a registered microchip in case they should wander off.

Travel across state or country lines may require some additional documentation – check the state website or national consulate for the current requirements. 

With a little planning, traveling with your pet can be much safer and less stressful for everyone involved.

This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic.  I’ll be back next week with more pet tips.   For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach.   We are open 7 days a week

Dr. Joel Conn’s segment “Pet Tips” aired today on 95.3 The Beach! The topic was “Spring and Summer Hazards.” Tune in every Friday morning at 10:40am to hear more Pet Tips!

Click Here to Listen: Spring and Summer Hazards

“This week on pet tips we’re going to talk about Spring and Summer Hazards.

With warm weather, come a few additional risks to your pet. There are a few things that
all pet owners should be aware of to help keep your dogs and cats healthy and safe.

1. Dogs in particular can quickly develop heat stroke in even 70 degree weather. Be
mindful of exercise and make sure your dog takes a break from chasing that ball!
Also, avoid car travel on hot days and never leave your pet unattended in the car.

2. Foxtails are small barbed plant awns that are found basically anywhere there are
tall grasses. They have an amazing ability to migrate into noses, ears, eyes, and
even through skin. Keep your lawn cut short and try to avoid letting your pet stray
into tall grasses.

3. As you are enjoying that summer BBQ, try to avoid tossing any trimmings or
scraps to you pet

4. Fleas, Ticks and intestinal Parasites: Make sure that you keep up with flea and
tick control and heartworm prevention to keep your pet free from parasites, many
of which can be passed on to kids or other people.

5. Truck Rides: If your pet has to travel with you in a truck, keep them in the cab
or in a kennel in the bed. Even dogs that are tied up in the bed can suffer severe
trauma or even death in the event of a sudden stop.

6. Pesticides/Rodenticides: as household pests become more of a problem, be
mindful that things that are toxic to rats and mice are also toxic to dogs and cats.

7. Predators: they become an increasing problem as summer progresses. Be sure to
bring your cats (and rabbits or other small pets) indoors at night to help keep them
safe.

With a little bit of planning, caution, and awareness, summer can be a great time to enjoy
with your pet!

This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic. I’ll be back next week with
more pet tips. For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see
us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach. We are open 7 days a week!“

Dr. Joel Conn’s segment “Pet Tips” aired today on 95.3 The Beach! The topic was “Parasites.” Tune in every Friday morning at 7:25am to hear more Pet Tips!

Click Here to Listen: Parasites

“This week on Pet Tips We’re going to talk about Parasites

Parasites are a common concern in pets, and an increasing concern in humans as well.

Common external parasites in this area are fleas, ear mites, demodex or mange, and ticks. Fleas and ticks can transmit diseases to your pets and your family (such as tapeworms, cat scratch fever, and lyme disease) and are found year-round on the Central Coast.

Common internal parasites in this area are roundworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia. These parasites are typically NOT visible with the naked eye. A microscopic fecal test is needed to evaluate for their presence.  ALL of these parasites can be transmitted to people but children and seniors are at greatest risk. In fact, A 2007 Center for Disease Control study actually found that 14% of people in this country are infected with roundworms and these parasites can cause anything from diarrhea to blindness or even death in humans!!

Heartworm disease is a mosquito transmitted parasite that causes fatal heart and lung disease in dogs and cats.

You can reduce the risk of parasitic infection to your family by eliminating parasites from pets; restricting access to contaminated areas, such as sandboxes, pet “walk areas,” and other high-traffic areas; and practicing good personal hygiene. Remember, parasite eggs might be located anywhere on an animals fur.

Disposing of pet feces on a regular basis can also help remove poten­tially infective worm eggs before they become distributed in the environment and are picked up or ingested by pets or humans.

Since parasitic infections can occur at any time of year, it is our goal to create individualized, cost-effective parasite control programs that are safe for your pet and your family, allowing for long-term, year-round control of internal and external parasites.

There are a number of very safe and effective products available today that make parasite control a cinch, and in most cases are available in oral and topical forms.  Contact your veterinarian today to develop a program that is right for your pet and your family.

This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic.  I’ll be back next week with more pet tips.   For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach.   We are open 7 days a week”

Dr. Joel Conn’s segment “Pet Tips” aired today on 95.3 The Beach! The topic was “Obesity.” Tune in every Friday morning at 7:25am to hear more Pet Tips!

Click Here to Listen: Obesity

“This week on Pet Tips we’re going to talk about Obesity

Obesity has become an extremely important health problem in pets and humans alike affecting  greater than 35% of all dogs and cats.  Unfortunately, obesity is commonly justified as a way to improve a pet’s quality of life by literally “killing them with kindness”

Studies have shown that obesity can cause a number of problems such as

1. Arthritis, which is the the number one cause of chronic pain in animals
2. Respiratory complications, especially flat-faced breeds like pugs and bull dogs
3. Diabetes Mellitus – which develops in as many as 50% of overweight cats
4. and a Reduced Life Span.  A life-span study in Beagles actually found that overweight dogs live as many as 2-3 years less than dogs that are not overweight.

An ideal dog or a cat should have ribs that can be easily palpated beneath the skin – they should feel kindof like your knuckles and he or she should have a nice hourglass shape to the waist and a tummy tuck from the side.

The good news is that there are some simple things that you as an owner can do to prevent your dog or cat from becoming obese.

1. Start by reduce the amount of kibble by 15-20%.  Be sure to get out your cup measure and measure it every time!
2. Cut out table scraps!  Be aware of the power of treats!
3. Feed in discrete meals instead of free-choice feeding
4. Offer raw veggies as treats, like broccoli, carrot sticks, and celery
5. Choose interactive toys, such as Buster Cubes that make your pet work for their food
6. Increase exercise – find a local dog park!
7. Commit to regular weigh-ins and develop a customized plan with your veterinarian

With a few simple changes in your pet’s lifestyle, you can avoid obesity and keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.

This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic.  I’ll be back next week with more pet tips.   For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach.   We are open 7 days a week!”

Dr. Joel Conn’s segment “Pet Tips” aired today on 95.3 The Beach!  The topic was “Dental Disease.”  Tune in every Friday morning at 7:25am to hear more Pet Tips!

Click Here to Listen: Dental Disease

“This week on Pet Tips we’re going to talk about Dental Disease

Do you nearly faint when you pet licks your face?  If so, your pet is probably way overdue for a dental cleaning.

Approximately 85% of animals over the age of three suffer from some degree of dental disease and if left untreated it can affect their heart, lungs, kidneys, and also cause significant pain.

Some simple things that you can look for at home include:

1. Bad breath
2. Loose teeth
3. Significant dental tartar, redness of the gums, or discharge or bleeding from the gums
4. Pain or difficulty eating, eating from one side of the mouth
5. Drooling excessively
6. A tendency for your pet to shy away when you try to look at his/her mouth

There are a number of things that you can do as an owner to help ensure that that special member of the family has a great smile for life:

Brush, brush, brush.  Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to help promote dental health. Be sure to use a flavored pet-approved toothpaste as human toothpaste can be toxic.  Thirty seconds a day will help keep your veterinarian away!

Dental diets, chews, and toys.  There are a number of products available that help with tartar buildup by removing plaque when your pet chews.

Even with excellent home care, however, your pet will still need to have dental cleanings throughout his or her.

We perform dental cleanings under anesthesia because this allows us to clean above and below the gum line (where most of the dental disease is located) and assess the need for extractions.  This allows the animal to sleep through the whole process, meaning less trauma physically and mentally for the patient and with modern medicine, this is an extremely low risk procedure for most pets.

Dental disease is a commonly overlooked but very important aspect of your pet’s health.  Though many owner’s think of dentistry as a cosmetic issue, it is actually extremely important to help ensure that your pet is pain free and to prevent adverse affects on the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic.  I’ll be back next week with more pet tips.   For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach.   We are open 7 days a week.”

Dr. Joel Conn’s segment “Pet Tips” aired today on 95.3 The Beach!  The topic was “Household Toxins.”  Tune in every Friday morning at 7:25am to hear more Pet Tips!

Click Here to Listen – Pet Tips: Household Toxins (MP3)

“This week on pet tips we’re going to talk about household toxins and foods to avoid.

If your pets are anything like mine, they are always trying to get table scraps or sneak their way into the garbage can.  Though many human foods are safe in pets, there are some toxic ones that every pet owner should know about:

• Grapes and raisins
• Onion and garlic, which are sometimes found in over the counter supplements
• Chocolate and Caffeine
• Any raw meats, eggs, bones
• Sugar-free candies (especially those containing xylitol)
• Avocado
• Macadamia nuts
• And Fatty foods (such as hotdogs, chips)

These foods can cause symptoms ranging from upset stomach to kidney or liver failure.  If you think that your pet may have consumed one of these items, be sure to seek medical assistance immediately.

Aside from human foods, there are some other common household toxic items that are important to be aware of:

1. Plants such as lilies, rhododendrons, oleander, mushrooms, and tulips can be extremely dangerous even in small quantities.
2. Antifreeze, which has a sweet flavor, will attract dogs and cats to lick it off the garage floor
3. Bird seed, which frequently spoils and may contain harmful fungus
4. And of course, pesticides like rat, snail, and gopher bait.  These can cause internal bleeding, neurological symptoms like tremors and seizures, and are frequently fatal if not treated.  The thing to remember about these pesticides, is that even if the bait is hidden away from your pet, the rat that eats the bait may go anywhere.  If your pet eats that rat, the result is the same as eating the bait directly.

It’s important to be aware of your household environment and keep anything potentially toxic well out of your pet’s reach.  Pesticides should always be avoided if possible.

This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic.  I’ll be back next week with more pet tips.   For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach. hotstar Download  We are open 7 days a week!”

Dr. Joel Conn is featured on 95.3 FM The Beach with Pet Tips. Today the topic was Pet Allergies.

Listen in every Friday morning at 7:25am for more Pet Tips.

Click Here to Listen: Pet Tips: Allergies (MP3)

This week on Pet Tips we’re going to talk about Allergies

Allergies are extremely common in pets and are the number one reason that dogs are brought in to the vet.  The main types of allergies we deal with in dogs and cats are flea allergies, food allergies, and environmental or seasonal inhalant allergies.

Signs that your pet might have allergies include:

1. Frequent scratching, licking, or chewing of the paws, groin, or tail area
2. Hives or rashes
3. Skin or ear infections, especially chronic or recurrent infections

The good news is that there are some simple Things You Can Do At Home to help your pet deal with allergies.

1. Year-round flea control!!  This cannot be overstated.  Even if your pet does not have evidence of fleas, we know that any animal that goes outside in this area is at least getting flea bites.  And keep in mind, only 5% of that flea population lives on your pet – the other 95% is in your carpet, pet beds, blankets, and your yard so Prevention is key.
2. Antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec on a daily basis may help with inhalent allergies
3. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements like fish oil can improve coat luster and  help with itchy skin
4. A trial with a Hypoallergenic diet may be the next step if flea allergies have been ruled out.

The thing to remember is that with allergies, we are not looking for a cure. Our goal is to keep the allergy under control and to keep your pet comfortable.  The key to success is to work with your vet to come up with a long term maintenance plan.

This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic.  I’ll be back next week with more pet tips.   For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach.   We are open 7 days a week!