May 15th, 2012

Did I hear road trip?

         For some pet parents, a trip's no fun if the four-legged members of the family can't come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1.    Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

2.    Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.

3.    Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.

4.    Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

5.    What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

6.    Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

7.    Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.

8.    Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side.

9.    When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

10.  If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

  (Part one of traveling with your pet,  Part 2-specific restraints,-coming soon).

May 15th, 2012

Summer things to think about

          With summer soon approaching, we need to watch out for a few things we do as pet owners that may be hazardous to our pets. 

When we walk our canine family members does not seem to be a danger to them.  However we must keep in mind that at certain times of the day the pavement, concrete or asphalt can cause damage to the pads.  Even our decks can heat up with the sunlight.  If unsure, place your own barefoot on either of the above. If it’s hot on your foot, it will have the same effect on our pets.

 Always have the necessities with you on your walks.  Water – available collapsible water bowls that you pour cold, clean water into- is always a good thing so you can give your pet that much needed drink to quench their thirst.  Disposable waste pick up bags (this is the law) allowing you to clean up after your pet, keeping the neighborhood clean and helping to prevent the possible spread of intestinal parasites that can affect both canine and humans alike.

Be sure to have your pet’s feces tested yearly or twice yearly to help prevent spreading intestinal parasite infections.  Heartworm Prevention and Flea & Tick Control help to keep our pets protected and comfortable during the days of summer, but year round protection is recommended.

  If your pet enjoys going for car rides remember – a few moments in a poorly ventilated vehicle could cause death. NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A VEHICLE. A cracked window is not sufficient – an open window is an invitation for disaster as well.  Your pet on your lap while driving – please don’t. The happy face hanging out the window can be just as disastrous – debris in the air can cause damage to the eyes.  Body harnesses can be used with your vehicle’s seat belts very easily, keeping your pet safe on those much loved car rides.  Have a happy – healthy – safe summer.  

  (Brought to you by Debbi)   

April 17, 2012

Lanoka Oaks wants to keep our clients informed and blogs are a great way.  We started “Dr. Wyman’s blog” last year and as you can see, there are very few posts.  This is not for the lack of trying.  Dr. Wyman comes up with a great idea, does the research and sits down to write.  Before he gets one sentence done, he has been interrupted 3 times.  We have come up with a solution.  It will still be called “Dr. Wyman’s blog” but it will be written by several members of our staff.  Every couple of days there will be a different post about a subject and we will build on that subject through the year.  Our goal is to help our pets live longer, healthier and fuller lives.  We want to prevent disease, not just treat it.  Education is the key.  We feel that these ongoing posts will help. 

Also, we would like to start a “question and answer” day on Facebook.  Every Monday, we would like you to ask us a question and we will answer by Wednesday.  The disclaimer is that this is not for medical advice or diagnosing but for information and understanding.  

November 29th, 2011

   I hope all of us have now recovered from our annual eating binge called Thanksgiving.  Christmas and New Year's are rapidly approaching.  With the New year fast upon us, I would like to discuss a new service/idea we will be introducing as of Thursday, December 1st.    As some of you know, we introduced wellness plans last spring.  I was very pleased to see the number of clients who felt comfortable enough with us and our recommendations to take advantage of our savings and to follow our recommendations.  However, as time progressed, I felt that the initial "buy-in" to the wellness plans was too costly for most people to feel comfortable doing.   Because of this, we have revamped the program.   For those of you that already purchased wellness plans for your pets, rest assured that nothing has changed for you.   Your wellness plans are intact.   For those of you who have not taken advantage of the plans or decided not to do, let me introduce the new plans coming forth on Thursday.

   "Peace of Mind Life Style Plan" - For an introductory price of $68.00 for cats and $99.00 for dogs, your pet will be entitled to a 20% savings off of everything - products, services, blood work, dental cleanings, etc that Lanoka Oaks Veterinary Center offers.  The only exception is those costs directly charged to Lanoka Oaks (and passed on to you) by our visiting Doctors (Dr. Cudia-surgeon, Dr. Lewis-chiropracter, Dr. DeRose-cardiology and Sue Davis, our physical therapist).  These costs are what they are, no savings.

   The title of the plan, Peace of Mind Life Style Plan, reinforces what we try to do here at Lanoka Oaks.   There are no cookie cutter recommendations for all pets.  Each pet is unique, each pet has its own demands, exposures, life styles.   Our recommendations are tailored to your pet, not your neighbor's.  My staff and I will be recommending (as we always do) what is in the best interest of the health of your pet and with 20% off, we hope you will take advantage of your savings and do what you can for your pets.  (On a side note, the 20% off of heartworm pills puts the cost comparable to Pet Meds).

   The price above is per pet.  If you give your pet away, the plan becomes null and void,  and the money is non-refundable.  The only time money is returned is upon the death of your pet. 

   I hope that this plan (whether dog or cat, puppy or senior) will help  you with the health of your pet (preventative medicine is the name of the game) and help you budget for your furry loved one.  Please, if you have questions, suggestions, advice, or complaints, please do not hesitate to contact either Julie or myself.   After all, we are here for you and your pet. 

September 20th, 2011

   Nine days ago, we honored those that lost their lives and those that served on that awful day in NY, DC and Penn.   On that day, among all the volunteers, there were close to 100 search and rescue dogs that also served.  Today, of those dogs, 12 are still alive.  I would like to honor all of these dogs,  those that have passed over and those 12 still with us.   To these dogs:

           Abigail                                                                          Bretagne                                                         Guinness                                             Hoke

              Kaiser                                                                                  Merlyn                                                       Moxie                                                          Red

          Scout with unknown dog                                                                                                                              Tara                                               Tuff

July 2nd.

Came across a nice newletter article written by Dr. Jon Rappaport of Petplace.com. I thought it was appropriate given the weekend

   "It's 4th of July weekend and many cities and municpalities are having their fireworks displays.  The weekend will be filled with picnics and parties too.  All that excitement adds up to a lot of fun - but it also represents a lot of potential dangers for your dog.

The most common dog owner complaint during the 4th of July weekend is their dog's reaction to fireworks.  The combination of loud noises and bright lights can scare dogs that don't normally have a history of noise phobias.

Some dogs will exhibit signs of fear that can include pacing, panting, trembling, salivating, trying to escape and/or barking.  Many dogs will actually injure themselves when trying to escape.  (I've even seen dogs that had been hit by a car trying to flee from noises).

What can you do to help keep your dog calm during the fireworks?  Here are some tips.

1. Don't take your dog to the fireworks.  Make sure he or she is calm at home.  Or stay home with your dog during the fireworks.  Keep your dog confined in a comfortable location if possible.

2. Don't try too hard to reassure your dog during a fearful event with petting, soothing words, or extra attention as this can sometimes exacerbate the problem by reinforcing your dog's fearful response.

3. Some dogs are very sensitive to peoples' moods, so they may be influenced by the way that you react to the noise.  It is best to act happy and upbeat or to redirect your dog's attention to some absorbing activity.

4. If you must leave your dog alone, consider what would make your dog most comfortable.  Bring your dog indoors.  Would your dog feel safest in a crate?  Turn on the radio/television/fan/air conditioner as "white noise".  Make sure you provide a comfortable hiding place or "safe place" in case your dog is scared during the fireworks.

So before the fireworks, try to anticipate your dog's exposure to noises and avoid such exposure, if possible.  Talk to your pet in a light, cheerful tone that sends a message that the storm is no big deal.  Encourage your dog to finad a quiet restful place to wait out the noise."

Enjoy the Fourth of July.

    Dr. Wyman

June 22nd, 2011

   Welcome to my blog.   The intent here is to talk about all things related to veterinary medicine, be they interesting cases (all names will be changed to protect the pet and owner), new products, thoughts to consider (as in today's notes).  If you have anything specific you'd like more information on, I will see what I can do.

The Ugly Truths

            No, we are not talking about how beautiful some pets are compared to others.  We are not talking about what one veterinarian hospital looks like compared to another.  We are talking about ugly truths that you may not know about that could directly affect your pet.

            Ugly Truth #1.  Glucosamine.   Many veterinarians recommend glucosamine to our older dogs for treatment of arthritis.  The theory is that glucosamine, being a part of joint cartilage health, keeps and maintains the health of the joints.  However, there has not been any, repeat any, scientific proof that glucosamine works, either in humans, or our pets.  Many people believe it helps.  I believe it helps.  But no study has demonstrated that it does.  Neither the FDA, or any other governmental organization regulates glucosamine, so it is buyer beware.  As I have told my clients, I could fill a jar with mud, slap a label on it and sell it to you.  It is that bad.   So again, be a savvy consumer, check your product (Consumer Reports did do a nice comparison of glucosamine and which companies go out of their way to insure the product matches the label).

            Ugly Truth #2.  Fatty Acids.  As with glucosamine, there is no regulation on Fatty Acids.   You want to make sure that what is on the label, matches the gel cap.  You want to make sure that the gel cap has the right combination of Omega 3/Omega 6 fatty acids, and if this isn't bad enough, there is the ethical dilemma.   Fatty acids come from fish oil. How is the fish oil harvested?  From farm raised fish, or does the fatty acids come from wild caught fish-either mesh net or line harvested?  Decisions, decisions.

            Ugly Truth #3 Senior Diets. While there are significant differences between puppy and adult dog food, and kitten and adult cat food, there are no, repeat no, significant differences between adult and senior diets.   The term "Senior" is a market term, not a nutritional term.  Watch the diet foods as well.  Many diet foods are actually higher in calories than adult food and you wonder why your slightly pudgy dog is not losing weight.

            Ugly Truth #4  Presciption requests. "A veterinarian must, upon request, provide a written prescription to a consumer who does not wish to purchase a prescription item directly from that veterinarian." (from the NJ Veterinarian Practice Act).  I throw this one in because a new client told me that a colleague of mine refused to write a prescription and made her purchase the medication from him.  This just gives all veterinarians a bad reputation.

          Ugly Truth #5 Internet Pharmacies.  "Historically, substantially all the major pharmaceutical manufacturers have declined to sell prescription and non-prescription pet medications directly to us.  In order to assure a supply of these products, we purchase medications from various secondary sources, including a variety of domestic distributors."    2010 annual report. Pet Med. Express.  It is companies like Pet Med that make me dislike Betty White.  As with many of the ugly truths, it is buyer beware.  Compare prices between your veterinarian and the internet pharmacies.  Compare what you get back if the product fails. Do business with ethical companies since many internet pharmacies build into their business plans monies set aside to pay for fees they incur while they rake in millions illegally.   And aren't practices like this that got us into the economic mess we are in now?

            Ugly Truth #6 Veterinary Standards.  Did you know that veterinary standards do not exist.   There is no federal or state standard that regulate how any veterinarian practices medicine.   There are voluntary organizations such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) that do set standards but all inspections are announced prior to the inspection.  Guess what?  It is easy to clean up one's act prior to inspection.  And while I do not like to disparage my colleagues, I know that this exists.

Bottom line:  Whether medically for yourself or your pet, be a savvy, educated consumer.  It is your body, it is your pet.  Ask lots of questions-no one is protecting you but yourself.