Did you know one third of all dogs suffer from noise phobia?

Thunderstorms and Fireworks are here!

Noise phobia

Noise phobia is a common disorder in our pets, and is thought to affect one third of all dogs. Common signs of noise phobias can include; pacing, lip licking, panting, cowering, hiding, refusing to eat, trembling and shaking to name a few. Does your pet exhibit these signs? If so, there are options to help them this time of year! There are several medications, supplements and environmental changes that can be made to help your furry friends.

Introduction of Sileo
Sileo is the first FDA approved medication for noise phobia in dogs. It comes as a gel based medication that is applied to the gums in the event of a loud / stressful situation. It is designed to relax the dog without causing significant sedation. If this medication seems helpful please contact the team at our hospital for more information or click the link below.

Click here for more details on Sileo

Administration Instructional Video

Be Prepared - Microchip Your Pet!

Be Prepared - Microchip Your Pet! 

It is a heartbreaking event for any pet parent to have to endure. Even with our best intentions, pets seem to find a way to slip out and away. Their natural curiosity can get them into trouble. Have you taken the proper steps to assure your pet is identified?

 The first step is to keep a collar with a tag on your pet. The tag should have your pets name, your name and current contact information. A current rabies tag should also be on the collar. If your pet has any special medical needs, you may document that on a tag as well.

The second step is to have your pet microchipped. Studies have shown that pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners. A microchip is a small enveloped electronic chip that is about the size of a grain of rice. They do not have a battery, but rather, are activated by the scanner as it passes over them. A microchip is not a GPS tracking device. When a lost pet is found, they are frequently taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic. Staff will scan the pet for a microchip. Provided the pet's microchip number was properly registered by the owner, the chip number can be traced to the owner.

Having a microchip implanted is a safe, quick, and a well-tolerated procedure. It can be performed in most patients during a routine wellness visit, but is also commonly performed while a pet is under anesthesia for their spay or neuter. Microchips are safe. A British Small Animal Veterinary Association database review indicates that only 0.01% adverse issues rate in 4 million microchips implanted. The most common problem reported was movement of the chip from the original implant site over time.

Regular scanning of the microchip during wellness visits will reassure you that your pets chip scans correctly, is in the correct location, and serves as a reminder to keep your owner contact information up to date.

For more information, go to:

https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Microchipping-of-animals-FAQ.aspx

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Kenosha