patience, bugs, and backyard dangers

School is out.... that means more time for swimming, chasing my ball, frisbee lessons (mom thinks I'm going to be the next champion frisbee dog..... I'm scared of it hitting me.....) long walks... bugs.
My skin is sensitive. I hate bugs. Mom is trying a new product that is all natural from Vetri-science a local Vermont company. Vetri-Repel is a all natural repellent for dogs, cats and even horses. It is a blend of natural oils, citronella, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, sesame oil, and castor oil, all stuff mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas aren't suppose to like. Mom says it really seems to work.Unfortunately you do need to apply it frequently but it comes in a really easy to use spray and wipes (my sister pretends to spray me all the time, spritz...spritz she says... no wonder mom calls me her neuroses boy). This company also makes the thunderstorm medication that Petunia takes called Composure!

I've been getting into trouble for my over-zealous swimming behavior. Sometimes I just get so excited I don't listen very well. In the water I treat everyone like their my conquest (my world full of sitting ducks). When my mom tries to push me away so I don't scratch her I try to bite her.... I thought she was trying to drown me and I firmly believe in survival of the fittest. I scratched my brother on the back and man did he throw a fit... guess I did draw some blood. Now when their in the water I have to stay away or sit on the edge of the pond and wait until their done..... not fair.
My mom says once I learn some patience I will be a little easier to be around in the water.... gosh I hope I hurry up and learn some.....

When were all hanging out my sister likes to bug me. She says she is teaching me patience. I'm glad she is in Paris right now..... but actually I really miss her doing foolish things with me. I can balance just about anything on my nose thanks to her (not sure why they think this is so important... whatever, if it makes them happy).

Next week is the Furry Scurry fundraiser for the Hospice program in Vermont and New Hampshire. Lots of people have come into SAVES and pledged money for me to walk. If you want to join us on the walk or donate to a great cause come to White River Junction, VT. on Thursday June 30th around 5:30pm for registration and the walk starts at 6:00pm. The Hospice Program helps care for the pets of patients in the program. Much needed food, medications and other stuff that their owner is to sick to be able to deal with. SAVES and Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire both provide discounted or free care for these patients.

Just about every day I hear people talk about how they can't imagine eating some of the things that dogs and cats manage to swallow. Personally, I have watched my people eat some things that truly resemble many things we eat that they are so grossed out about (only difference is they put it on a plate). Seriously though, with the summer season comes some real serious threats to our less particular palates. In the last two weeks alone we have had 4 cases of suspected mushroom poisonings. The summer has been sooo wet, and mushrooms thrive in this type of weather. Check your backyard, they seem to be popping up everywhere.

Ninety-eight percent of the mushrooms are non-toxic, but we can't tell the difference. Many of them smell fishy to us....yummmm. If we eat a poisonous one it could cause liver damage and death. If you suspect your pet has eaten a mushroom get them to the vets immediately. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, twitching, drooling, wobbling, and seizures. Pets can also hallucinate from the toxin. Best safeguard, remove all mushrooms from your yard as they sprout up. Remember, if your pet has survived a mushroom poisoning, they don't learn to avoid them in the future (it's the fish man!). Time is of the essence! A couple other common plant poisonings for this time of year are tomato and rhubarb leaves, all lilies and Black Walnuts. If you have a Black Walnut tree the nuts, as they decompose, grow a mold that can cause serious sickness and seizures. Rake them up!

Well, hope to see you next week at the Furry Scurry....TaTa for now!

creepy crawlies, hotspots, and lyme

Rainy, rainy days in May. The river has strayed from the path it usually takes, the fields are now lakes. The rain keeps coming. A common question I hear all day long, "Will it ever stop raining, will it ever get warm?". I say yes but they keep asking the question!

I have heard this guy scream, I can't believe these little birds are taunting him so!

We haven't been walking as much. Mom and dad work constantly! S.A.V.E.S. is so busy and so is Stonecliff. They have decided to move Stonecliff into the S.A.V.E.S. building. The space at West Leb. Feed and Supply has worked out really well but as the hospital grows it is becoming very small. It will be much easier for the staff to have everything in one place and the S.A.V.E.S. building is so new and beautiful that everyone will fit very well.

I love sticks!

So starting on May 16th the Stonecliff hospital will officially be at S.A.V.E.S. Everything for Stonecliff patients will remain the same except the location. We will have a new telephone number but the old one will work also. Stonecliff clients have the added benefit of being able to see their favorite doctors day and night. Any old clients that were not able to follow my dad (Dr. Kelly) to West Lebanon are welcome to see him now in Lebanon. I-89 exit 18 (just like going to DHMC) take your first left on Evans Drive and we are the next drive past the Nissan Miller Car dealership across from the Lebanon High School track and football field.

The Great Frog Hunter!

Check out the S.A.V.E.S. website for location information and more. I unfortunately have been under the weather. The tick season is in full swing and I have an infected tick bite on my face that has turned into a "hotspot" or skin infection. Dad shaved it yesterday (I hate that) and scrubbed it up with some smelly stuff and put me on antibiotics that mom shoves down my throat! Uggggg.

I actually think it is Petunia's fault, she is always biting me in the face whenever I try and get her to play with me! But on a more serious note the hospital has seen a HUGE rise in Lyme positive dogs in the past week. On Sunday alone 3 dogs came in unable to walk with fevers that tested positive for Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease is here.... there is no denying it. Protect yourself and your favorite four-legged friends by vaccinating against the disease and applying a once a month medication that helps control ticks and fleas. It is important to understand this disease and how it is transmitted.

The primary carrier of Lyme disease is the deer tick (not pictured). Borreliosis, the actual bacteria that causes the disease. As a tick develops from a baby (larva) to a full grown tick it will go through many stages and hosts (a mammal that it will feed on and ultimately become infected from if the mammal is carrying the disease). Ticks are most active in spring and fall, they thrive and multiply with cold rainy days (like our whole spring has been). One very important bit of information is that the tick must be attached and feeding on it's host (you, your dog or cat) for at least 48 hours before it will transmit the Lyme Disease to you. Tick medication such as Frontline or Vectra kill the ticks sooner then 48 hours thus eliminating the threat of contracting the disease. We get calls all the time from people upset that their pets still have ticks crawling on them after being treated with these products. The ticks still will bite the pet but will die before they can transmit so your pet is safe. You on the other hand are not. Since there are not products like this for humans we need to take precautions also. Wear long pants that are tucked in on the bottom, citronella (a natural product) will supposedly repel ticks, spray some on your clothing.

Symptoms and timing of this disease are different for pets then humans. Dogs symptoms occur much later after the tick bite, usually 2-5 months after the initial bite. Cats are rarely infected, probably because they are much more efficient and persnickety groomers. Dogs typically have a fever (103-105'F) and shifting limb lameness, sore on one leg then switching to another leg. Swelling in the joints, lethargy and decrease in appetite are also common. We typically do not see the rash like in humans. Dogs infected with Lyme Disease and actively showing signs are treated with antibiotics and supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and pain medications. Dogs can be infected with Lyme Disease and not show any signs. Long term health issues from the disease occur sometimes with kidney failure and heart and nervous system problems. If you suspect that your pet has contracted this disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Make sure to use the preventative medications and vaccinate against the disease.
It is scary but I sure don't want to stop running through the woods every chance I get! Tata for now

summer, sweet summer, and teenage naughtyness

Summer, sweet summer! I have had so much fun these last few weeks. Between swimming and hanging at the new hospital S.A.V.E.S. I have met so many new friends. One thing I have learned, the world is a dangerous place. Each day I meet pets that have gotten into one perdicament after another. I know I will not bite a porcupine if my life depended on it! Cars, no thanks, I plan on riding in them not standing in fromt of them. Stop biting at the bees, stay away from garbage, NEVER keep running when you hit barbwire, and don't run with sticks in your mouth (not sure I can actually abide by that one).

 

I have been out of control lately. I really try and do all the things I have been taught over the last months but for some reason my mind doesn't feel like it! Mom says that most black labs show up at the humane society right around now (7 months old) because people grow tired of the naughtyness. Guess I am in my teenage phase of life, my poor parents are now dealing with four of us!!! I am really thankful that my family continues to work through this with me. Though I haven't told her to her face, sorry Soph for losing control when I chase you and nipping you, I didn't really mean it!

I have just finished 5 weeks of Level 1 obedience training with Charlene Swainamer of All Paws Up. The classes are held each Wednesday night at the new S.A.V.E.S. facility. It has been so much fun! My friend Doogan is in class, and a really pretty yellow lab named Daisy (she has more energy then ME), and a bunch of other cool dogs! We graduate next week, I hope I graduate......Charlene keeps telling mom that I am really smart, just naughty right now.

I think the key is lots of exercise mixed in with some discipline. I know my mind is much more focused after a good run. I have been trying to get mom to take me up to the top of Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch in NH. They allow dogs up the gondolas to the top, then you can hike around and enjoy incredible views. Mom said Stowe Vermont also allows 4-legged travelers. Check out Pet Friendly Travel and Hiking With Your Dog, for some great ideas on hikes and more. So you don't have to leave your best friend home after all. Toot-ta-loo!

summertime, toads, and muscle pain

Summertime is by far my favorite time of the year (that may change since I haven't experienced fall or winter yet!) I love helping my mom garden, eating deer flies, chasing ants, squishing spiders (I learned that bees should be left alone).

We spend alot of time out at the pond on these warm days. Wow there are so many strange looking creatures I have met. Some fly, some hop, some swim, some fly, hop and swim!!

Petunia and I have so much fun with the frogs in the pond. I think the frogs have fun also. We can spend hours walking around the edge and just before we can grab one, in the pond they leap. As we pass they scurry back onto the shore and wait for the next time we pass! Oh what fun.

Dad says these guys wont hurt me if I get one in my mouth but watch out for the toads. Toads are brown and have bumpy warts all over them. Luckily we don't have Bufo marinus or Bufo alvarius around here. These bad boys are found in Florida and the southwest and have known to kill a dog or cat that has gotten to close. The toads that live around here secrete a milky substance from some glands behind their eyes that irritate the mouth and can cause some irregularities with the heart. Years ago dad had a patient that had played with a toad, the dog had a very bad reaction to this secretion and my dad wasn't able to save him. Moral of the story, I am staying away from all toads!

My sister was thinking this little guy might be her prince. She is soooo strange, and look at the look on this poor little frogs face, he is definitely thinking this is no princess!

As you can see, I have gotten over my fear of water. Summertime is for splashing and jumping!

Not sure why she always grabs her face??

My brother loves football so much he EVEN plays it in the pond!

With all of this leaping and swimming a guy can get sore and achy. Humans have a hard time figuring out if we are feeling muscle aches or pains. Did you know that if your dog or cat shows any changes in normal behavior they may be trying to tell you they are in pain? Other then the obvious signs such as limping, did you know that reluctance to get up in the morning, not wanting to play, and loss of appetite can be signs that Fido is hurting?

If your dog becomes grumpy with other pets, seeks solitude instead of lying next to a housemate, or appears grouchy or irritated by those around him he may be trying to tell you he isn't feeling well. Seek out an experts advice, Dad always says "a person's first instinct has saved many a pet".

TaTa for now!