Category Archive

VETERINARY PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

What is physical rehabilitation therapy?

Veterinary physical rehabilitation therapy, similar to what is known in the human field as physical therapy or physiotherapy, involves the use of specific non-invasive treatments (massage, exercise, light, heat, cold, electricity, ultrasound, laser, magnetic therapy, hydrotherapy, etc.) to rehabilitate injured patients. The goal of physical rehabilitation is to return the patient to normal function as quickly as possible, and to restore the full range of movement and strength to injured body parts. The underlying principle of physical rehabilitation is that the least effective treatment for injury is excessive rest, and that stimulation of circulation through areas recovering from injury promotes an optimal rate and degree of healing.

What is the history of rehabilitation therapy in veterinary medicine?

Although various forms of physical therapy have undoubtedly been used for centuries on animals, the foundation for its use as an applied science is very recent. TheAmericanAssociation of Equine Practitioners established a set of guidelines for the practice of physical therapy on horses in 1993.The AVMA and the American Physical Therapy Association are currently working on establishing guidelines for the practice of veterinary physical therapy and coursework on animal rehabilitation therapy has become increasingly available through veterinary colleges and other veterinary affiliated organizations.

On which species of animals is physical rehabilitation practiced regularly?

Physiotherapy is practiced regularly on horses, especially equine athletes. As a form of treatment, it is beginning to be used in dogs and is becoming increasingly recognized. It could potentially be applied to other animal species as well.

Who practices veterinary rehabilitation and do I need a referral?

Veterinary physical rehabilitation therapy should be performed by a licensed veterinarian. A licensed physical therapist educated in animal’ anatomy and physiology can only treat animals under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, following a veterinary diagnosis and in accordance with state or provincial veterinary regulations.

If a veterinarian is performing the treatments, referral mayor may not be necessary. If a non-veterinarian will be the therapist, the patient must be referred by a veterinarian and the therapist must be under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, who will then assume responsibility for assessing and coordinating the patient’s care.

What conditions are most often treated with physical rehabilitation therapy?

Acute and chronic injuries are amenable to treatment. Electrical stimulation has been shown to relieve pain, minimize muscle atrophy (degeneration) secondary to disuse due to pain or immobilization, reduce tissue swelling, and speed healing of both open and closed wounds. Therapeutic ultrasound or cold laser therapy can be used to stimulate tissue repair and minimize the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. External application of ice and compression wraps is effective not only as a first aid treatment but also to break the pain-muscle spasm-pain cycle common to many musculoskeletal injuries.

How can my pet benefit from rehabilitation therapy?

The appropriate application of physiotherapy will speed healing, relieve pain, and improve the patient’s likelihood of a full recovery.

How successful is rehabilitation therapy?

As a technique to reduce pain and speed healing, the various forms of physical rehabilitation therapy can be very effective.

How safe is physical rehabilitation therapy?

Physical rehabilitation therapy can be performed safely but has the potential for doing significant harm in the hands of individuals with inappropriate education and training.

What is the cost of rehabilitation therapy?

Comprehensive physical therapy requires an initial veterinary assessment and formulation of a treatment plan, which usually consists of a series of treatments. The cost of treatment will reflect both the equipment being used and the skill and experience of the practitioner and therapist. An estimate for your pet’s treatment plan can be provided at the time of initial consult.

Can physical rehabilitation be combined with traditional veterinary medicine?

Rehabilitation therapy is most appropriately used in combination with either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. A licensed veterinarian should formulate the overall treatment plan, following the appropriate diagnostic examination and assessment of the patient. Follow-up evaluations are necessary to determine the individual’s response to treatment and adjust the therapy accordingly. If your animal companion is receiving physical rehabilitation therapy or any other alternative services from an individual other than your regular veterinarian, that person must report directly to your veterinarian in order to provide coordinated care of your companion, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences.

How can I find out more information about veterinary rehabilitation therapy?

Your veterinarian should be able to assist you in evaluating the suitability of specific therapy for your companion animal. Our specialists here at Animal Specialty Group work closely with our rehabilitation service. We recommend an appointment be scheduled with Dr. Joanne Bak for further consultation regarding physical rehabilitation.

Your household should include a disaster kit for your animals as part of your overall disaster planning. This kit should include:

* Leashes for both dogs and cats.

* A health record of your pet’s vaccination history, your veterinarian’s number and address and any other pertinent information on medical problems. If your pets take medications, be sure to include a week’s supply and rotate the medicine so that it does not expire.

* Food and water for seven days. Plan one gallon of water each day for a medium size dog and about a quart a day for small dogs and cats. Foods should be in sealed, watertight containers and should be rotated so as to keep it fresh.

* Carriers for all small animals should be readily available.

* Current photographs of all pets should be in the kit. This will help shelters identify them if they become lost and are picked up by animal control.

* Include a list of friends, kennels and veterinarians that your pets can stay with during a disaster.

* First aid kit, blankets, towels, muzzles and a manual can opener.

* Food and water bowls for dogs and cats.

* Plastic bags and a scooper for animal waste.

* Seven day supply of cat litter.

Other considerations:

All pets should wear a collar and an identification tag that give their name, your name and telephone number. Include an out-of-state relative’s telephone number that can be contacted in case your local line is out. Consider having your pet permanently identified with a microchip. If your pet is lost, periodically check with your relative to see if authorities have found your pet and called. Post flyers/pictures and continually check with all shelters within 20 miles.

Keep your gas tank at least half full and remember to evacuate early and take your pets with you. If you have large animals, keep your trailer in good condition and stocked with appropriate foods. After rains, empty all containers so they will not become stagnant breeding centers for mosquitoes, bacteria and protozoa that can cause illness in your pet.

– Warren Eckstein –

Among the groups that believed in humane treatment of animals were the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Persians, some African Tribes, the Hebrews and to some extent the Chinese.

Many of the great religions of the world have taught kindness to animals for thousands of years. For example in the Old Testament, animals are mentioned over two hundred times with admiration and sympathy. The followers of Greek Philosophy were great admirers of animals. For example Pythagoras made a practice of being kind to animals. Aristotle wrote sympathetically of “the sagacity of the noble dog.”

Buddha preached pity. Confucius believed in fairness to all living things.

Genesis VIII: 1, tells of how God ordered that two of each species of animals should be in the Ark at the time of the great flood, to make sure they would survive.

The teachings of Jesus talk of God’s benevolence toward not only human beings but to lesser creatures as well. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap….yet your heavenly father feeds them.” Love and Kindness for dogs and other animals were exemplified in the writings and actions of many Christian Saints both Protestant and Catholic.

“Every creature is at man’s service in order to better bring man to God’s service,” wrote St. Bernard, the founder of the famed little St. Bernard hospices that rescued travelers. The love of St. Francis of Assisi for all animals is well documented. Many Popes had dogs for companionship, for example Paul V, Paul IX, Leo XIII.

As man’s religious beliefs and spirituality grew, so did their relationship with animals—and that’s a good thing.

If you live in the country, your pet is already adjusted to the sounds of birds, the bubble of a stream, the perfume of flowers. But if your pet lives in an apartment, too much nature all at once may be confusing and even distressing.

An excellent way to prepare your pet for a trip to the country is to introduce him first to the new sounds. If he’s never heard birds singing or a frog croak, you can go online and download many of the sounds your pet will be exposed to — but in the comfort of his own home. It may sound a bit strange, but gradual exposure through a CD or tape can make all the difference between a pleasant trip and a terrifying one.

When completely out of his familiar environment, a dog or cat may become disoriented and run off, which is the reason I recommend the leash for trips. As with anything else, an animal will adjust better to a new situation if you expose him to it gradually. Start with short trips to a local park and build up to a real hike in a more remote area. It’s usually the housebound, inexperienced pet who gets into trouble in new situations, so the more time you can spend with him outdoors, the better.

As with many pet problems and concerns, the most important thing a new pet owner can do is to expose and socialize their pet early and always make it a positive experience.

Have a great hike!

Call me a naturalist or an old-fashioned guy but I don’t like to tamper with Mother Nature just because it’s more convenient for me.

I guess that sums up my feelings about declawing.

A supreme being much more knowledgeable than I decided Kitty should be born with nails. So until that being tells me to do something about removing those nails, I’ll stand hard and fast in my position about declawing.

As far as I am concerned no cat should be declawed. In particular, cats allowed outdoors should never, ever be declawed, no matter what the owner’s rationalization might be. Outdoor cats need to protect themselves, and nature provided nails as a big part of their defense mechanism.

Most owners have cats declawed because they scratch and claw up their possessions. As you know by now, I’d much rather educate the clawing kitty as to what she may or may not scratch.

It’s really not as hard as you think. Remember: You can’t teach a cat not to scratch but you can teach a cat what not to scratch.

Fighting between cats in the same household is the second biggest incentive for owners to want to declaw their cats. But here’s the rub! Although declawing will certainly eliminate the damage cats can do by scratching at each other, it does nothing about the much more serious damage that can be caused when one nasty cat bites another. These wounds often abcess badly.

Cat owners shouldn’t be lulled into the false sense of security that comes from removing the claws. If your cats are suffering due to a fighting household, it’s best to get to the root of the problem and resolve it.

Opinions differ on whether declawing is physically harmful to cats. Some say it’s simply minor surgery. Others say X rays of the bone structure of Kitty’s legs before and after declawing show a marked difference that’s caused by his having to balance himself unnaturally. Without the nails, physical stress is placed on the legs, where it isn’t intended to be.

My favorite argument is when I’m told declawing doesn’t hurt the cat. There’s only one thing wrong with this statement – I’ve never heard a cat say it.

If you’ve already declawed your cat, don’t feel guilty about it. It’s over and done with and you thought you were doing the right thing. But for all the future kitties in your life, think twice about it. In nature’s grand plan, it’s probably best if the human race keeps its hands off of God’s creatures, particularly when there’s no medical or humane benefit.

Declawing is a quick fix to the destruction problem, but a better fix is to educate the cat – you will find help with this in my book How To Get Your Cat To Do What You Want.

Besides, way too many indoor cats escape to the great outdoors at least once or twice in their lifetimes. Leaving them defenseless, without their nails, is simply out of the question.

How to manage your grief when a pet dies

One of the most difficult times for a person is dealing with the loss of a loved one. For most people, the term “loved one” means a human friend or relative. If you are the owner of a pet, then you realize that the term loved one has a much broader meaning. Warren Eckstein offers advice how to get through the grieving process.

EVERYONE WILL REACT differently to the loss of a pet, and how your pet died and how old they were are also important factors regarding how you will react. For example, some people will feel less guilty if their pet dies of natural causes vs. a pet that may have been hit by a car, choked on a bone or died from heat stroke.

• Grief, confusion, anger, guilt and depression are all normal and typical reactions. However, the length of time for grief varies from individual to individual. The most important thing in coping with the loss of a pet is to acknowledge that you are going to have the emotions, and know that it’s O.K. to be angry/sad/upset. Regarding anger: as with any loss, it’s not uncommon for a person suffering the loss of a pet to find someone or something to blame – even if that mean blaming themselves.

• Guilt: when you love and nurture a pet, you tend to feel responsibility for everything that happens to the pet even if it is out of our control. Consequently, when something goes wrong (like the death of a pet), feelings of guilt are common.

• Depression: the loss of a pet can cause depression that can range from just feeling blue to being paralyzed by the loss.

• Find support: You may talk to people and even family who think you are being silly to grieve over the loss of a pet. But it’s important to let yourself grieve, and to get support from others who do share your feelings. Getting help from people who understand your feelings can be a huge relief. Outside help is available – many humane groups offer bereavement counseling as do private therapists. Talk to your vet, who may know of other community resources or support groups as well. It’s important to have a good support group – friends, family, people who understand how important your pet was in your life. There are even online resources for people who have lost a pet, and even simply reading other people’s thoughts and feelings on their loss makes it easier to handle. Many people suggest remembering the good times you had with your pet. At first it may be painful, but after a while, remembering those quirky moments with your pet will bring a smile back to your face.

FINAL STEPS

Deciding on your pet’s final resting place, whether it’s a home burial, cemetery burial or cremation, can be an important part of saying goodbye. (Some people even have had their pets stuffed by taxidermists.) Any of these options, whichever one is right for you, gives a person the opportunity to say that final goodbye and move on. A burial is great for people who consider their pets just like another member of the family and provides a physical location where you can visit their gravestone. Some people even get their pet stuffed at a taxidermy shop, so they can remember them like that forever.

Some people have other, more personal ways of saying goodbye. Warren has had many many pets over the course of his life, and used to hand-carve their headstones personally when one passed away. It was his way of coping with the loss and paying homage to his pet. So everyone will want to pay their final respects in their own way – and there are plenty of options out there to decide from. Talk to your vet about these and other options that may work for you.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT?

Should you get rid of the pet’s stuff: Bed, toys etc? That’s a choice that individuals have to make. For some, it’s a way to move on and creates a sense of resolution and completion. For others, it’s almost like if they get rid of the stuff, they’re betraying the memory of their pet, and the blank space on the floor where the dog bed used to be is a more painful reminder that he’s gone. If you think you should get rid of their stuff, put everything in a box. But don’t throw it out – store it in a closet for a while, to see if that’s really best for you. And if that’s too hard, pulling out a toy or some old photos may help alleviate the pain of separation.

Should you get another pet right away? For some, getting one right away is the exact right thing to do. To have a new puppy or kitten breathe fresh life into the air and remind us that even in times of loss, there is always time for a little fun and frolicking. However, for others, getting a new pet immediately is a disaster, easily losing patience with their new pet and getting angry because the new pet is not behaving like the pet that they just lost. After all, no one can live up to the perfect memories you have of your lost pet.

Wait a bit, and then visit a shelter/breeder to look at the new dogs available, but leave your wallet at home. You don’t want to buy a new pet on impulse or right away. Take some time to do some soul-searching, to figure out what is the right move for you. After all, it’s not fair to a new pet to be neglected for a lifetime just because you were a little lonely at that particular moment.

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE ELSE WHO HAS LOST A PET

Have an incredibly good ear, and understand that the loss is huge. Don’t underestimate the strength of someone’s feelings for their pet, or how emotional they’ll become when they lose their pet. For most people, their dog or cat Is a member of their family, and losing them is truly a tragedy.

Most importantly, you don’t want to belittle the event by saying things like “It was just a cat” or “You’ll get over it.” Instead, use “distraction therapy” by taking them out to do different activities for short periods of time. Take them to a movie, or out for a walk, or to the mall to shop for a while. If they’re grieving, don’t let it consume them – listen, but at the same time, try to get them out and active.

Don’t take it too personally if they snap at you – it’s pent up anger that they’re needing to vent. Let them get angry at you, or cry on your shoulder. That’s totally normal, and to be expected with any kind of loss.

Who deserves my dollars? – by Warren Eckstein

Among the hundreds of letters I receive each week, there are always several from animal-lovers requesting my advice with regard to what organizations I would recommend they donate money to. Sometimes the writers are preparing their wills, other times the writers have questions as to whether the organizations they are currently donating to are really worthy of their hard-earned money.

As a rule, I seldom recommend specific organizations – it’s your money and the ultimate decision must be yours. I can, however, provide several guidelines to make the decision-making process easier.

1) When considering making a donation to an animal shelter, I personally prefer ones with a “no kill” policy. These organizations do not euthanize their animals if not adopted within a specific time period. Such shelters only resort to euthanasia if the rescued animal is suffering due to a hopeless physical condition.

2) Any shelter that you are considering should permit you to visit their premises. You should be able to see first-hand the facilities and care they are providing. If they refuse your request, remove them from your list of consideration.

3) Request a copy of the organization’s current financial report. If they refuse to provide you with a break-down, consider another organization. Any organization worth its salt will have nothing to hide and will provide you with this information. Once you’ve received such a report, review it. How are their funds being utilized? Is the majority of their money going towards the actual care of the animals or to administrative costs (i.e. salaries and advertising)?

4) If the tax deductability of your contribution is important to you, the organization must be recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization. Such organizations are required to file with the federal government. Ask them to provide you with proof of their non-profit status.

5) Don’t let slick promotional brochures be your only criterion for selecting an organization. Many small “mom and pop” organizations simply do not have the time, money nor manpower to produce fancy brochures – they’re too busy using their limited resources for doing the actual rescue work and caring for the animals.

And here is a link to Guide Star the National Database of Nonprofit Organizations where you may check out financial records and mission statements of any organization to which you may be considering making a donation.

Apply the guidelines listed above and you may just find the organization worthy of your support!

Warren Eckstein’s Recommended Charities

Over the years, my listeners have let me know about humane and rescue organizations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to helping out pets and animals in need.

This is by no means a complete list — there are many worthwhile groups working out there. If you know of a deserving group that is a registered 501c3, tax-exempt no- kill organization that should be on the list, please e-mail us and periodically the list will be updated.

Many of the websites have ‘click-on’ donation areas. They may not provide a receipt for your records, so please check with the group, if a receipt is important to you. We have also included postal addresses to send donations.

1. THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF NEW YORK
www.humanesocietyny.org
(212) 752-4842
306 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022

2. BOXER RESCUE
www.boxer-rescue-la.com
(213) 532-6541
17514 Ventura Blvd. #201
Encino, CA 91316

3. GREYHOUND PETS OF AMERICA
www.fastfriends.org
(800) 298-5743
1210 N. Cypress St.
La Habra Heights, CA 90631

4. GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE
Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles
www.sheprescue.org
(310) 202-SAVE (7283)
2721 Wigtown Road
L.A., CA 90064

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
Serving Orange County, San Diego, San Bernardino, Greater Los Angeles, Riverside and more.
www.gsroc.org
(714) 773-5915
177F Riverside Avenue, Ste. 143
Newport Beach, CA 92663

5. LITTLE ANGEL PUG RESCUE
www.lapr.org
(626)795-3944
P.O. Box 12242
La Crescenta, CA 91224

6. BRITTANY FOUNDATION
www.brittanyfoundation.com
(818)709-5706
P.O. Box 9334
Canoga Park, CA 91309

7. LINDA BLAIR WORLD HEART FOUNDATION
www.lindablairworldheart.org
LBWF
10061 Riverside Drive #1003
Toluca Lake, CA, 91602

8. ALL OF THE BREED RESCUE GROUPS THAT ARE SANCTIONED BY THE NATIONAL BREED CLUBS.

9. FERAL CAT CARETAKERS COALITION
www.feralcatcaretakers.org
(310) 820-4122
P.O Box 491244
L.A. CA 90049-9244

Parents often bring a pet into the family to teach kids a sense of responsibility, or perhaps to provide an only child with a playmate. But children often learn something more fundamental about themselves and the world – how to empathize with others; how to understand subtle feelings and how to look at the world from a vastly different perspective.

The child learns that the world and living things are interconnected. Animals are a vital part because they stimulate curiosity and build empathy. A pet in the home can accomplish many goals. On the emotional level, pets can teach children such things as,

• Communication – Children learn the subtle cues their pets give them to indicate their feelings. They can later apply this lesson to human interaction because they are more attuned to watching body posture.
• Empathy – Children often become curious about the emotions their pets feel compared to their own. This curiosity will extend itself to others. Animals offer an avenue for children to explore their own curiosity. For a child, curiosity can lead to hope and greater engagement with the world around them.
• Nurturing skills – If properly supervised by adults, a child can learn how to take care of another living being and take pleasure in keeping a pet healthy and happy.
• Confidence – Children go through life under constant evaluation. They are rated by their behavior, grades and athletic performance. Pets have no such expectations; they are delighted that the child is with them. Pets give children the sense of unconditional acceptance; no judging or rating is involved.
• Resilience to change – Children who undergo traumatic experiences often copes better when they have a pet to confide in and share. Loneliness can be painful to a child. An animal companion can make them feel a part of an experience.

A recent study explored the relationship between pets and children. Specifically, the study looked at the effect dog guardianship had on ten to twelve year old children. Researchers were surprised at the difference in empathy and self-esteem between pre-adolescents who have a dog and those who did not.

This conclusion supported the evidence that shows dog guardianship has “statistically significant” impact on self-esteem and sensitivity toward others. While teachers, parents and other children have expectations for a child to fulfill; a pet has no such measure of success or failure. Acceptance is total and provides a sense of self-worth.

Pets also teach children the importance of taking care of themselves. Children should be taught it is important to take care of their pets, brush their teeth and keep them clean. When they understand this importance, the focus can then be on the child himself. If brushing a dog’s teeth is important for its health, then it is important for the child’s well-being also.

This doesn’t mean all children are ready for pet guardianship. Parents should first make sure their child desires a pet before getting one. Don’t assume your child will take care of the pet. The ultimate responsibility usually falls on the parent, not the child, to make sure the pet is healthy.

Through our continuing Humane Education programs, the Humane Society of Sedona can give a child of any age, the opportunity to learn compassion and empathy toward animals. They may not understand the word ‘compassion’, but children know what love feels like. All children know love, pain, sadness and joy.

We hope to reinforce these feelings and enlighten the mind of a youngster. By paralleling the needs of an animal in way that a child can understand, we will have made an impression for the life of that child.

Jacquie Randall – Volunteer Coordinator Humane Society of Sedona

Dogs and cats can’t brush their teeth. But foul breath and yellow-brown teeth are not only unappealing, they could indicate a serious gum disease. And that could lead to other health problems.

Periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of all cats and dogs over the age of three. It starts as bacteria and progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss and even damage to the heart and other internal organs.

• Dog Dental Facts – Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at about three to four weeks of age. They have 42 permanent teeth that begin to emerge at about four months.
• Symptoms of gum disease in dogs include yellow and brown build –up of tartar along the gum line, inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.
• Broken teeth are a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. According to veterinary dental experts, aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as commercially available chew bones, is a primary cause of broken teeth in dogs.
• Cat Dental Facts – Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that begin to erupt at about two to three weeks of age. They have 30 permanent teeth that erupt at about three to four months.
• Symptoms of gum disease in cats are similar to dogs.
• Cats can develop painful cervical line lesions. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.

Chew on These facts

• Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar.
• If tartar is not removed from the teeth, pockets of pus may appear along the gum line and further separate the teeth from the gum, which allows more food and bacteria to accumulate.
• Without proper treatment, this plaque and tartar buildup may cause periodontal disease, which affects the tissue and structure supporting the teeth.

Periodontitis is irreversible and may lead to other health problems. Unlike the inflamed gums of gingivitis, which can be treated and reversed with thorough plague removal and continued plaque control, periodontitis can only be contained to prevent progression. The disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. The infection caused by this disease may enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys.

Pet owners should look for warning signs of oral disease. Common indications include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at face or mouth and depression. If any of these signs are present, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for a dental exam.

The good news is that pet owners can reduce the risk of oral disease by following the American Veterinary Dental Society recommendations.

• The first step in preventing oral disease is a routine physical examination including a dental exam.
• Pet guardians should practice a regular dental care regimen at home, which may include brushing the pet’s teeth with specially formulated toothpaste. It’s best to start early, but grown dogs and cats can learn to tolerate brushing. Toothpaste for humans is not recommended because it may upset the pet’s stomach.

My two German Shepherds, Koby and K.C.’s personal favorite is chicken flavored toothpaste. But I have to be quick after I have put it on the toothbrush, because they will lick it off before I have a chance to clean their teeth. I’m sure other pet parents have experienced the same thing. Wonder if it is easier with a cat?

Schedule regular follow-up care with your family veterinarian and ask about specially formulated foods with proven benefits in plaque and tartar removal.

If you are wondering – can pets get cavities? Yes. Just like humans, your feline or canine can get cavities. But, they are relatively rare because their diets generally aren’t high in decay-causing sugars. Veterinary dental experts have noticed a mild rise in the incidence of cavities in your pet’s mouth, feed only food and treats designed for pets. No more Twinkies.

Veterinarians have noticed when dental problems have been corrected; Fido or Kitty appeared spunkier, instead of the old-acting pet that had been brought in. Just think about having the infection and pain that goes along with dental problems and you probably would not be all that active or tolerant either.

Dental disease is among the top pet problems and should not be ignored. With proper attention, your pet will live a longer, happier life.

Jacquie Randall

Volunteer Coordinator

Humane Society of Sedona

Years ago, when I first starting talking about the concept of our pets suffering from midlife crises, people accused me of taking pet psychology way too far. It was suggested that it might be the right time for the “men in the white coats” to pay me a visit! Even you may be shaking your head in disbelief but please hear me out before you make a judgment.

There comes a point in ever pet owner’s life when the thrill is gone and the novelty of having that pet in the household has worn off. After all it’s taken for you and your pet to settle in with each other (the housebreaking and basic training of Fido’s crazy puppyhood; keeping up with your cat’s frenetic energy and mischievousness during kittenhood), you’d think you both could just sit back and enjoy each other for the years to come. You know the idyllic scenario I mean – you relaxing in your favorite easy chair with your middle-aged cat curled up contently on your lap or your middle-aged dog snoozing happily at your feet.

Well, I hate to break the bad news to you, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Middle age and contentment don’t always go hand in hand. What often happens is that your pet gets taken for granted.

While I’ll focus on dogs and cats, be aware that the same holds true for just about any pet you own. Yes, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, snakes, even fish can suffer their own midlife crises! So whatever type of pet you have, read on… you just might learn something.

Midlife Crises In People

We’re all familiar with the fact that many people go through midlife crises. They’ve spent many years of their lives doing things they’re not so sure was right for them. They sense they’re in a rut that has no meaning. A midlife crises often results in a few simple changes… a change in hairstyle or hair color, a new wardrobe, or a new job. Sometimes a person’s reaction to a midlife crisis is more drastic… a relocation to a new part of the country, perhaps even a change in spouse! Whatever the result, a midlife crisis generally means a need to reinvigorate the mind and body.

The symptoms In Pets

Fluffy and Fido can suffer from their own midlife crises, too. Particularly if their lives have become one big routine, day in and day out, with nothing to keep them interested and alert. Our pets can become bored, depressed, lethargic, experience personality and behavior changes… just like people going through midlife difficulties.

At the other end of the behavior spectrum of depression and lethargy is the acting out our pets may do. Just as with children who don’t get enough attention, our pets would rather get negative attention rather than no attention at all. That may mean your dog may suddenly start chewing up your shoes or your usually well-behaved cat may start using your sofa as a scratching post. Our pets may do whatever it takes to get attention from us if they’re feeling like their being ignored or overlooked. They’d rather be yelled at and reprimanded by you than be treated like a part of the furniture.

If you’ve owned a pet for a couple of years, ask yourself the following questions: How much time am I spending truly interacting with my pet? (Feeding him doesn’t count and neither does reprimanding him!) Do I spend as much time stroking and playing with him as I used to? If you’re a dog owner, are those walks only for eliminating purposes? Are they shorter and less frequent than they used to be? If you’re a cat owner, do you resent cleaning Kitty’s litter box and lugging those heavy sacks of litter? Do you think your cat’s purpose in life is to sleep most of the day? Do you assume that cats are independent and only rely on people to be fed? Or, whatever type of pet you have, do you spend your time reprimanding him for misbehaving?

If the walks, stroking and play periods have all decreased (or have become totally non-existent), odds are you’re contributing to your pet’s midlife crisis. If cleaning Kitty’s litter box and having Fido out for his last walk of the evening have become a burden, watch out for the resentment towards your pet that may underlie these feelings. You may have not recognized them yet but our pets, with their keen intuitions, know they’re there.

Prevention Is Best

As always, it’s best to prevent a midlife crisis from happening in the first place. That’s why I’ve always advocated keeping your pets mentally and physically stimulated throughout their lives. Don’t take your pets for granted after the cuteness of puppyhood and kittenhood have passed. Don’t let your pets take a backseat to what’s going on in your lives. Pet’s who get pushed aside because their owners are just too busy with their own lives are at great risk for a midlife crisis. But so are pets whose owners follow the same monotonous routine day in and day out. Even people who are home all day with their pets don’t always provide the type and quality of stimulation that their four-footed family members need.

The Resolutions

So, what can Fluffy and Fido do to get themselves out of their ruts? Fluffy can’t go out and buy herself a Porsche and Fido isn’t able to go out on a shopping spree. It’s up to you, their owners, to help them through such a slump.

The first step is to change things around. Make everything a little different. Different food, different treats, excursions to different places, even a different wardrobe. Yes, I did say a different wardrobe! Get Fido a new leash and Kitty a new harness. They may not say, “Wow! I love my new outfit,” but they will appreciate the fact that you’ve done something special for them. They’ll know that you care.

And be sure to bring home some new toys. Don’t assume that your adult pet isn’t interested in toys anymore. And that doesn’t just go for you dog owners. Cats also need that sort of stimulation and change. And speaking of change, don’t forget those paper (not plastic) bags and cardboard boxes for Kitty. She’ll enjoy exploring and climbing in and out of these items.

Remember, it’s not enough to simply plunk down these new items. Make the time to play with your pet. Get down on your hands and knees and toss around these new toys with Fluffy and Fido. Set aside some private playtime for you and your pet each day. A few minutes of one on one interaction will go along way towards getting your pet out of his slump and re-establishing your loving relationship with him.