Drs. Bean and Zoe Collaborate on Pets Taking Medication

 This morning at the Cancer Center one of the nurses felt that I would look much more professional if I dressed appropriately for my "professional" advice.  You can be the judge.

I am available for consultations.

I would like to introduce you to my friend Dr. Bean. She has excellent advice about your pets taking medication.  Here is her letter to all of you.

 

Hi frens!

Do any of you guys have pets that you have to give meds to & it’s really difficult? Did you know that it doesn’t always have to be such a stressful experience? The veterinarian knows best, & if they tell you to give pills, pill pockets can be your best friend.
But some of us critters are experts at eating the treat the pill is in, then spitting out the pill. Or if you mix it with our food & we don’t finish it all, you’re stuck wondering if we got the right dose.
Here’s a thought- did you know there are more & more pharmacies out there now who are expanding their services to animal patients? If your vet gives you a written prescription, they can formulate it into a liquid that has yummy flavors like bacon, chicken or beef! Sometimes they can make it into a cream that you rub into your pets skin too! It’s usually not much more expensive. I hope everyone’s pet is happy & healthy, but if something comes up & you need to give your furkid meds, don’t cringe at the idea of wrestling your pet so you can shove a pill in its mouth! We pets are connected to our owners, so if you’re stressed out about medicating us, we pick up on that stress! It can be easy! Just google compounding pharmacies in your area. Don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian about it.
Love,
Dr. Bean

The Power of Prayer - Henry the Miracle Kitty Part II

 

This is my friend, Henry.  He really is a miracle kitty.

A few months ago, I wrote about the power of prayer and my friend, Miss Jo’s, kitty, Henry.  Everyone, especially the doctor, was sure Henry had a terminal intestinal problem, but then the miracle of healing took place. If you forgot the details, you can go back to March 28, 2013 and read his story.  Well, it is now 4 months later, and I thought I should give you an update on Henry.  He is still very much alive!

Henry has been on vacation with his family and doing very well.  He has gained weight; in fact, he weighs more than he ever has, but he is still a small kitty. He is happy, playful and as inquisitive as ever.  When he went to the doctor for his last follow-up visit, the doctor scratched his head again because not only was there no evidence of the original tumor diagnosis, but also, even the thickening of the intestine was gone this time!! Ultrasounds don't lie!  Henry is 100% well.  This time his mommy, Miss Jo, did her yippee dance in her heart.  As she told me, “I had done a yippee dance in the vet's office when he told me the mass was gone (on the miracle visit in March), and I didn't think he could handle another.”  So with her permission I asked if I could once again share what Miss Jo calls a blessing.

Lately on Facebook there have been a number of very sick pets in need of prayer.  My little friend Jack, a remarkable Pekingese saw the need and set up a prayer line through his Facebook page,  Jack’s Journey.  You should read about his personal story on his page, but in addition, take notice of what  Jack calls  his Puppy Prayer Chain.  It is doing so much good!

There’s also my friend’s page called Light ACandle by Emmitt's Place & Miss Cali the Spoiled Yorkie.  The page name may sound a bit funny, but it is a very serious page.  It's a page “…for all furiends and human friends to come and share all who need prayers. Remember ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.”

Miss Jo did this portrait of Henry when he was recently helping her in her studio.

I don’t know about you, but I love my doggie community of friends who help  those in need of prayer.  After all, there certainly is power in it.  Look at Henry! There is no medical explanation why Henry’s health is perfect!.

The Benefits of Whole Pumpkin

My favorite pumpkin!

Last time, I gave you a message from Bean O'Brien on healthy treats that do not come from a store and told you that I would discuss whole pumkin in my next blog.  First, I have a question which leads into my message.

Did you ever wonder why doggies do all that butt sniffing that humans find disgusting, hilarious or both?  Well, the answer deals with our anal glands which "produce fluid with a distinctive odor that identifies (us) and tells other dogs (our) sex, approximate age, health status, and other things." (Petfinder)  So, it's more than just saying, "Hello, glad o meet you!"

But our signpost greeting card glands need to be healthy and empty themselves during our bowel movements. When they don't, you might see us scooting on our hineys on the ground or on the new carpeting (that is a little more comfy after all). We are not showing you a new trick; we are trying to relieve ourselves of discomfort.

Little dogs, and even not so little dogs, sometimes have trouble with their anal glands emptying naturally. They even can get impacted; if this happens often enough, it could not only cause permanent damage to our delicate tissues, but also result in expensive veterinary bills. To avoid complications, impacted glands need to be expressed with the help of a groomer or veterinarian.  Pet parents can be taught how to do this, too, but it can be a bit tricky and very smelly. 

Well, here's where the pumpkin comes into the picture!  Whole pumpkin (NOT PUMPKIN PIE FILLING) adds bulk to our stools so that we can begin to expel our own anal glands.  I know; I am proof of this!  

I love my pumpkin.  It was like a miracle for me!

 In addition, it is like a super food for digestion; it can curb diarrhea, ease constipation and we LOVE it.  Go figure!  But, because it is rich n Vitamin A which is stored in the liver , moderation is the key.  You can read all about it in Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Puree?

I wonder if next Halloween I will attack a few carved jack-o-lanterns on my morning walk.

My advice for today:

• Mix about a tablespoon of whole pumpkin in your pet's food.  Remember this adds a few calories, so cut back on a treat or two.
• Read the article above for more information about pumpkin.
• Check out the video link below on expressing your pet's anal gland.
• ALWAYS check with your veterinarian before making any change to your pet's diet or attempting to express your pet's anal gland

   
PS - I'm told if your pup likes to feast on his own poop, pumpkin tastes great going down the first time but is nasty recycled!

Healthy Treats!

As you know I love treats and having my breakfast and dinner, too.  Well, my friend, Bean O'Brien and his mom have some wonderful ideas about healthy treats that are NOT purchased dog treats, are healthy and are right in your own house!  Can you believe it?

I enjoyed my bone snack from the prize I won in my friend Sam's contest.

Bean's  mom gets  clients asking her about whether or not it is safe to give their pets people food for treats.She says that it can be! So, let's just talk to her about snacks. 

Here's what Bean's mom has to say:

"Try a baby carrot instead of a milkbone. They are crunchy & sweet. If your dog is overweight & you’re worried about the carb factor..., many dogs like a green bean. But of course some human foods are NOT good for doggies & kitties. Some no-nos are chocolate, coffee, onions, grapes, raisins, & macadamia nuts. Little nibbles of meats (chicken, beef) are super yummy, but doggies shouldn’t have too much fatty meats; that can lead to pancreatitis! And be careful not to give bones that can splinter. Cheese is one of Bean's favorites, but too much can have a binding effect for some dogs."

So,  remember friends, as Bean and his mom  say,  "Your pet’s treats don’t have to come from the pet supply store. They can be found right in your fridge!"


Let's all stay healthy!  Okay?  

In my next blog, I think I will tell you how important whole pumpkin can be!  I know; I am living proof, thanks to the good advice of my good friends, @Drs. Kristen Nelson, D.V.M. and Shagufta Mulla.

PS If you haven't read Dr. Nelson's book Coated with Fur - A Vet's Life, you are missing out on a great read!  I know!!!