Denise Maher, Author at Vetstreet

3 Things Every Owner Needs to Know About Senior Pet Health

Denise Maher — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 19:00:48 +0000

When it comes to healthy aging in pets, functional age — how young an animal acts, feels and performs — is actually more important than chronological age, or how long your dog or cat has been around.

According to Dr. Heidi Lobprise, DVM, president of the International Veterinarian Senior Care Society, functional health is especially relevant when you’re discussing the process of aging in animals, since age-related health is relative to a pet’s size, breed and weight.

We asked Dr. Lobprise to discuss the three key things that owners may not realize about staying on top of their senior pet’s health.

Did You Know . . . Most Owners Don’t Follow Senior Guidelines Set by Their Vets

Fact: According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), only about 14 percent of senior animals undergo regular health screenings as recommended by their veterinarians.

Why, you ask?

A review of senior care by the AAHA attributed such low compliance to a lack of clear communication from veterinary teams, which is why it’s important for owners to ask questions, especially when it comes to inquiring about special screenings that individual senior pets may need.

Did You Know . . . Lethargy Isn’t an Unavoidable Aspect of Aging

"He’s old, poor guy!" It’s a common refrain that Dr. Lobprise hears when owners refer to their lethargic senior cats or dogs, but lethargy can often be a sign of a treatable condition.

“We know from human health that poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate aging — an unhealthy diet and lifestyle can speed aging in animals too," says Dr. Lobprise. "It’s great to see a dog [suddenly] energized after he’s been treated for diabetes or a mouth infection. And owners are often pleasantly surprised to see that once lethargic pet run around like a puppy again.”

Since owners often don’t notice a gradual decline in their pet’s health, notes Dr. Lobprise, this is why regular checkups are so crucial for senior pets. Otherwise, it can be hard to get an accurate picture of your pet’s current state of health, without being able to compare it to prior health.

Did You Know . . . Preventive Care at Midlife Can Extend Your Pet’s Life

The idea behind preventive care is to get a veterinarian involved before the onset of serious disease. Wellness programs that focus on things like heartworm prevention and keeping mouths healthy can make a big difference when it comes to quality of life in senior pets.

And it’s vital to start that care early in life, well before a pet hits his senior years.

The American Animal Hospital Association Guidelines recommends a senior wellness screening for all pets during middle age, and retesting is recommended at least once a year. Routine veterinary visits are recommended for senior pets — those in the last 25 percent of their predicted life span — every six months.

In the long run, regular vet visits and preventive care can help your senior pet live a longer, not to mention healthier, life.

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Are Your Holiday Guests Allergic to Pets? Here Are 5 Ways to Make Them More Comfortable

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:31:33 +0000

We all know how problematic pet hair can be, but as owners we’re accustomed to dealing with it. It’s when pet-allergic guests come to town that we realize just how much dog and cat hair and dander there really is in our homes. Though there’s little you can do to entirely eradicate the problem, there are things you can try to make your allergic visitors a little less sniffly this holiday season.

Lather Up

Bathe your pet with a mild, pet-safe shampoo recommended by your veterinarian. If you’re really committed to keeping the allergens down for the long term, consider bathing your pet frequently. “Some studies suggest that there’s a significant reduction in the amount of pet allergens that occur with weekly washing of dogs and cats,” says Dr. Andy Nish, a spokesperson for the American Academy for Asthma Allergy and Immunology.

Allergies aren’t actually caused by shedding hair; they’re triggered by a protein found in pet skin (or dander), saliva and urine. So make it a thorough scrub down, and don’t miss the nooks and crannies where pets tend to lick.

Plug In Air Filters

Opt for an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter. HEPA filter “HEPA filters have become more affordable, so they are a reasonable step to take in this situation,” Dr. Nish says. The units start around $100. Plan to place one in each guest bedroom, as well as common areas. And run them for a couple of days before friends and family arrive.

Use Some Elbow Grease

Plan to thoroughly clean your house a day or two before guests arrive.

A few keys things you can do to minimize allergens: Wash guests’ bed linens in hot water, mop hard floors, and use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or double bags, so you don’t expel more pet allergens into the air. LG has a line of Kompressor vacuums that pick up three times more dust, dirt and pet fluff before you need to empty them.

If possible, you should remove any rugs, particularly if they’re in areas where guests will spend extended periods of time. For wall-to-wall carpeting, try to schedule a thorough shampooing a few days before you welcome guests.

Carve Out an Animal-Free Zone

“Most pet dander avoidance measures tend to be long term,” Dr. Nish says. “Since animal dander is difficult to remove, a short-term cleaning campaign won’t do much to remove the dander and allergens embedded in furniture, rugs and carpets.” Allergens can persist for months — even after a pet moves out, he says.

But, at the very least, there are emotional benefits in giving guests a room that’s pet free for the length of their stay. And if your allergic guests are likely to stay often, make a room in your home off limits to pets, such as a spare bedroom.

Remain Realistic — and Hospitable

No matter how much you scrub, dust and vacuum, it’s not possible to completely remove pet allergens from your house. Dinner guests who take preventive measures, like taking allergy medication before they arrive, will probably be comfortable.

Overnight guests who have allergies, however, will likely experience an allergic reaction, so keep over-the-counter allergy medication on hand should someone show signs of watery eyes and the sniffles.

Ultimately, it’s up to your guest to consult with a doctor about whether the discomfort is worth slumbering in a pet owner’s home. Sometimes, offering to put someone up in a nearby hotel is the healthiest and most comfortable option — for both the allergy sufferer and the gracious host.

https://cdn-videos.vetstreet.com/Cleaning_for_Pet_Allergens_(HD_1080_-_WEB_(H264_4000)).mp4

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¿Por Qué Mi Gato… Arranca Mechones de su Pelaje al Lamerlo?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:29:58 +0000

Los gatos son famosos por asearse a sí mismos de manera persistente y en ocasiones pueden exagerar con su aseo. No es extraño que los dueños de gatos, preocupados al encontrar en su mascota partes sin pelo cerca de su panza o brazos, pidan consejo a su veterinario para controlar el aseo excesivo.

Contrario a la opinión popular, arrancarse mechones de pelo al lamerse no está relacionado normalmente con un problema de conducta en los felinos, según la Dra. Karen Sueda, veterinaria conductista certificada del Hospital para Animales en Los Angeles VCA. De hecho, por lo general, se trata del síntoma de una condición médica, como parásitos o alergia a algún alimento.

Los Principales Culpables: Pulgas y Alergias Alimentarias

La pérdida significativa de pelo en una zona puede ser señal de parásitos externos, especialmente ácaros, garrapatas o pulgas, o bien, una infección micótica, como tiña. Después de analizar muestras de piel o de sangre, el veterinario puede confirmar la causa y tratar la condición con el medicamento adecuado.

Si lo que ocasiona el aseo excesivo es una alergia a alimentos, el problema puede tratarse haciendo ajustes a la dieta del gato, como podría ser una dieta hipoalergénica prescrita por el veterinario.

En algunos casos, el gato podría estar tratando de encontrar una fuente de dolor ocasionada por algún problema interno, como piedras en el riñón.

El Estrés También Puede Influir

Si el veterinario descarta algún problema médico, el siguiente paso es buscar agentes generadores de ansiedad, como una mascota, un bebé o un novio nuevos. “El que un gato se acicale de manera excesiva es similar a cuando la gente juega con su cabello”, dice la Dra. Sueda. “Lo haces más cuando estás nervioso”.

El modificar la conducta o entrenar a un gato puede ayudar a reducir sus niveles de estrés. En el caso de un animal nuevo en casa, los dueños le podrían dar mayor atención al gato o darle su propio espacio, en donde no pueda estar la mascota nueva.

Sin importar la causa, la pérdida de pelo y el aseo en exceso son normalmente indicios de que algo está mal, así que consulta a tu veterinario lo más pronto posible.

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¿Por Qué a Mi Gato… No Le Gusta Salir a Pasear con Correa?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:29:58 +0000

No tiene sentido. A tu gato le fascina mirar por la ventana, pero cuando sacas la correa, huye y se esconde.

¿Y ahora?

“Es normal que un gato, especialmente los más miedosos o tímidos, tenga miedo a una nueva experiencia a la que son expuestos repentinamente”, dice la médico veterinario conductual certificada Karen Sueda, del VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

Pero si estás dispuesto a esforzarte y a ser paciente para enseñarle a tu gato a pasear con correa, le puede abrir muchas puertas, literalmente.

Los beneficios de usar correa

“El exterior es una gran oportunidad de enriquecimiento, en especial para los gatos a los que les gusta estar afuera”, dice la Dra. Sueda.

Un paseo con correa en el aire fresco ofrece a los felinos una forma segura de experimentar nuevas imágenes, olores y texturas, como la sensación del pasto bajo sus patas. (Antes de salir, sólo asegúrate que tu gato tenga una adecuada protección contra parásitos, placa de identificación en un collar por separado y/o un microchip y vacunas al día.)

Una vida con correa también tiene beneficios para la salud: Los gatos con sobrepeso pueden estar más motivados a moverse en un ambiente estimulante al aire libre.

Por supuesto, no todos los gatos nacieron para amar las correas; los gatos más viejos podrían necesitar más tiempo para aprender, y algunos simplemente no aceptan la idea, pero de todas formas, vale la pena intentarlo.

Cómo hacer que a tu gato le guste usar correa

¿Todavía estás interesado? Intenta estos consejos:

Invierte en un buen arnés. La Dra. Sueda recomienda comprar un arnés que se pueda atar a la correa por el lomo, no del cuello. Y busca correas elásticas que no se enreden.

No le pongas el arnés de inmediato. Al principio, solo trata de que tu gato se acostumbre a ver el arnés, después a que lo toque y lo huela, antes de que intentes colocárselo. Haz algo que le guste, como jugar su juego favorito o darle un premio, siempre que el arnés esté cerca.

Tómalo con calma. Una vez que ya has conseguido ponerle el arnés a tu gato, ata la correa y permite que tu felino la arrastre por un rato. Aliéntalo a que te persiga, y recompénsalo cuando lo haga.

Cuando estés listo para tomar la correa, sujétala suavemente, pero no tires de ella o trates de dirigir al gato de inmediato. Con el paso de los días, pasa de 5 a 10 minutos, dos o tres veces al día, trabajando con tu gato.

“Si se deja usar la correa, aumenta gradualmente el tiempo que pase con ella”, sugiere la Dra. Sueda. “Si no le gusta, permite que las sesiones sean cortas y divertidas”. Cuando se sienta cómodo, trata de pasearlo por la casa, mientras sujetas la correa. Si se rehúsa a moverse, motívalo.

Una vez que estés listo para llevarla afuera, comienza con un paseo corto en el jardín o al auto y de regreso.

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What Does My Dog’s Skin and Fur Say About Her Health?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:29:16 +0000

Does a shiny coat really mean that your pooch is in prime condition?

Good-looking hair and skin can be a sign of good general health — just as hair and skin problems can offer clues about underlying problems.

Dermatology professor Dr. Stephen D. White, DVM, of the School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis, shares what to look for — and when it’s time to visit the veterinarian.

Why does my dog scratch so much?

A. Dr. White: "About 99 percent of the time, scratching is due to either allergies, infections or skin parasites (or some combination thereof). Treatment depends on the specific cause, but most symptoms and conditions are controllable. Rarely, tumors, either of the skin or within the body, can cause scratching."

What other skin or hair conditions do veterinarians tend to see most often?

A. "Besides flea allergies, ear infections are common. Symptoms include head shaking, scratching or pawing at the ears, pain when the ears are touched and an unpleasant smell originating from the dog’s ears. Ear infections are usually caused by either a foreign body, like a foxtail or seed grass, or a concurrent allergy.

Less commonly, a middle ear infection or a tumor (in older animals) can be an underlying cause of ear trouble. Dogs with recurrent ear infections should undergo a medical examination in order to rule out serious causes.

Cleaning the ears with a mild veterinary product once or twice a week may be helpful as a preventive. Discuss the best technique with your vet — it is very important to learn how to clean your dog’s ears properly, so you don’t harm delicate ear structures."

Why are some dogs bothered by fleas, while others don’t seem to react to them?

A. "The more allergic the pet is to fleas, the fewer number of fleas are necessary to perpetuate itchy inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). Some dogs develop an allergy to proteins in the flea’s saliva, which the flea injects into the pet when it takes its blood meal. While the adult flea stays on the pet, the eggs roll off the pet and stay in the environment, where they hatch, grow and eventually jump on a pet."

What can I do to keep my dog flea-free?

A. "Flea control revolves around treating all the pets in a household, because they’re all being bitten by fleas — even if they aren’t having allergic reactions to the bites. There are both spot-on and oral medications that are effective against fleas. Ask your veterinarian which ones she recommends for your dog."

Are there any skin or hair conditions that owners of senior pets should know about?

A. "In older dogs, crusting or splitting of the footpads can indicate internal disease. It’s a rare condition, but footpad problems — along with limping or lameness — can be a sign that a dog has a disease of the liver or the pancreas."

How can I keep my dog’s skin and hair healthy?

A. "Feed your dog a balanced diet, in consultation with your veterinarian. And bathe her as necessary — when she gets dirty — with a mild veterinary shampoo."

When should an owner bring her dog to see a veterinary dermatologist?

A. "It depends, but basically anytime routine treatments do not help the pet, a referral for a second opinion is a good idea. Referrals from a general practitioner are not necessary, but it’s always wise to loop in everyone involved in a pet’s health care. Your veterinarian is also a great place to look for additional information about skin and hair care."

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What Do My Dog’s Eyes Say About His Health?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:29:16 +0000

Your dog can’t exactly tell you where it hurts, but observant owners can still get clued in to a pet’s possible health problems — by looking closer.

The eyes are a great source of information about a pup’s health because they’re connected to both the vascular and neurologic systems. Eye examinations can reveal signs that are suggestive of bacterial, viral or other systemic infections, as well as cancer, hypertension and diabetes.

Dr. Catherine Nunnery, DVM, DACVO, a veterinary ophthalmologist based in Gaithersburg, Md., fielded our questions about some of the most common eye issues in canines.

Q. My dog’s eyes are red. What could be causing this?

A. Dr. Nunnery: “Changes in the color of the eyes can be disconcerting. In fact, it’s one of the most common eye concerns that compel owners to bring dogs to the vet. Typical causes include inadequate tear production (dry eye), scratches on the surface of the eye (corneal ulceration), inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), inflammation of the lining of the lids (conjunctivitis) and increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma). While a serious condition like glaucoma may require surgery, most of these conditions are typically treated with drops, ointments or oral medications.”

Q. How can I tell the difference between fatigue-related bloodshot eyes and something more serious?

A. “Time of day is helpful in determining if the eyes are bloodshot from fatigue or something else. Examine the white of the eye by gently pulling up the upper eyelid and looking for redness. In the morning, the whites of the eyes should look quite white, with a few pink blood vessels. At the end of the day, we are all more bloodshot, but increased redness of the white area may indicate ocular disease.

If one eye looks redder than the other or if both eyes look redder than they did the day before, and if there are any other changes in the color or comfort of either eye, see a veterinarian. Ocular changes, such as squinting, rubbing, tearing and discharge, are good reasons to visit the vet.”

Q. My dog’s eyes appear to be hazy and cloudy. What could be wrong?

A. “Scratches on the cornea or inflammation inside the eye (uveitis) — both of which can be treated with medication — commonly cause the haziness. Glaucoma, which can also be the cause sometimes, may be treated with anti-glaucoma medication. But it sometimes means surgery.”

Q. My dog has been squinting, as well as rubbing, his eyes. What could cause this?

A. “Squinting or holding the eye shut usually indicates ocular pain, which can be intense because there are so many sensory nerve endings on the cornea’s surface. A plethora of problems contribute to eye pain, including dry eye and many other causes I’ve mentioned. Most can be treated with topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or systemic pain management.”

Q. I’ve noticed that my dog is bumping into things and missing balls when we play fetch. Is he possibly losing sight in his old age?

A. “Like us, animals go through age-related changes and deterioration. People typically need reading glasses after the age of 40 because age affects the eye’s ability to focus. Obviously, your dog doesn’t need glasses for reading, but he may have trouble seeing clearly in the dark.

Other causes of vision loss are cataracts (opacity of the lens), retinal degeneration (loss of rod and cone function), diabetes and glaucoma. Unless the vision issues are related to cataracts, there aren’t many treatments available for the other causes. Dietary supplements containing antioxidants may help slow retinal degeneration.”

Q. What else can I do to preserve my dog’s eyes and overall health?

A. “A yearly eye examination by your veterinarian is recommended to try and prevent painful and blinding ocular conditions. This should include a deep eye exam — you’ll know that this has been done if the vet shines a light into his eyes. After a dog is 8 years old or so, I typically recommend two eye exams each year, so you can catch problems earlier.

If your dog develops serious eye problems, and your regular vet can’t refer you to a local ophthalmologist, you can find one through the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists’ website.

Generally, it’s good to inquire about the specific eye problems that your dog may be prone to develop because of his breed or genetic background. Each breed has as many as five to 10 common eye problems, and if you know the symptoms, you can spot (and treat) them early.”

If you have a dog who shows any of these signs, keep in mind that eye conditions can have many causes beyond what’s listed here. So if you notice anything unusual about your dog’s eyes, the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see your veterinarian.

The Importance of Dog Health Insurance

Dog health insurance can help you pay for unexpected health expenses, surgeries, or medications of senior dogs. It’s important to purchase insurance before there’s a problem. While pet insurance may add to your monthly expenses, it can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run.

Don’t ever let financial decisions get in the way of your dog’s care. Review personalized options for your pet below:

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What’s the Deal With… Dogs Who Will Only Squat to Pee?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:29:11 +0000

Squatting and leg lifting are acceptable behaviors in dogs of both sexes. You heard right: Males may squat to relieve themselves, and females may choose to lift a leg.

Studies suggest that regardless of whether or not a canine is spayed or neutered, some dogs will choose to only squat when it’s time to do their business.

But why?

The Story Behind Squatting

Most of the time, squatting to urinate is normal — and not a sign of a health problem.

“I wouldn’t worry unless it’s a change,” says board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM, of the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. "Say, if a male dog who has always lifted his leg suddenly stops, and starts squatting."

No one knows for sure how or why leg lifting got, ahem, kick-started. There are only theories about urination styles, including one that surmises that males lift their back legs to better mark territory, as well as to spray higher and appear bigger to other pups who sniff their urine. Others speculate that leg lifting evolved as a way for dogs to simply avoid urinating on themselves.

When Squatting Should Be Taken Seriously

A new squatting behavior may be a sign of a medical issue, including arthritis, orthopedic problems and even a hormonal or neurologic condition.

Squatting may also be a symptom of urinary incontinence, Dr. Sueda adds. “The dog may not realize that he is urinating and only squats in reaction to a stream of urine coming out,” she says.

If you do notice a change, visit your veterinarian. A physical exam and bloodwork may reveal the root cause of the problem.

But if it’s not a new behavior, don’t sweat the squat. Unless the pooch shows signs of pain or discomfort, he’s probably doing his business as usual.

For answers to other curious questions about animals, check out our other "What’s the Deal With . . ." stories.

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Why Does My Cat… Refuse to Go For a Walk on a Leash?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:28:43 +0000

It doesn’t make sense. Your cat loves to look out the window, but when you bring out the leash, she takes off and hides.

What gives?

“It’s normal for a cat — especially more fearful or timid cats — to be frightened by a new experience that is introduced too quickly,” says board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM, of the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

But if you’re willing to put in the effort and patience involved to properly teach your kitty to walk on a leash, it can open doors for her — literally.

The Benefits of Leash Training

“The outdoors are a great opportunity for enrichment, particularly for cats who used to spend time outside,” says Dr. Sueda.

A harnessed jaunt in the fresh air offers felines a safe way to experience new sights, smells and textures, like the feel of grass under foot. (Before heading outside, just be sure that your cat has adequate parasite protection, an ID tag on a separate collar and/or a microchip, and up-to-date vaccinations.)

The leash life has health benefits too: Overweight cats may be more motivated to move around in a stimulating outdoor environment.

Of course, not every kitty is cut out to learn to love the leash — older cats may take more time to adjust to training, and some personalities simply won’t take to the idea — but it’s still worth trying.

How to Train Your Cat to Like the Leash

Still interested? Try these tips:

Invest in a good harness. Dr. Sueda recommends buying one that attaches to a leash at the back, not the neck. And look for stretchy leashes that won’t jerk.

Don’t put the harness on right away. At first, aim to get your cat used to just seeing the harness, then eventually touching and smelling it, before attempting to put it on. Do something pleasurable — like playing your kitty’s favorite game or rewarding her with treats — whenever the harness is around.

Take it slow with the training. Once you’ve graduated to putting the harness on your cat, attach the leash, and allow your feline to drag it around for a while. Encourage her to follow you, rewarding her when she does.

When you’re ready to pick up the leash, hold it gently, but don’t pull on it or try to lead her right away. Over the course of several days, spend five to 10 minutes, two or three times a day, working with your kitty.

“If she takes to the harness, gradually increase the duration of time she spends wearing it,” suggests Dr. Sueda. “If she doesn’t love it, keep the sessions short and fun.” When she’s comfortable, try to get her to walk around the house, while holding the leash. If she refuses to budge, encourage her with praise.

Once you’re ready to take her outside, start with a quick walk in the yard or a short jaunt to the car and back.

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Why Does My Dog… Drool So Much?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:28:31 +0000

All dogs salivate to cool down, but if you have a pup with big or open lips — such as a Boxer or a Bloodhound — you know that these breeds tend to be more drool-y than others.

“Saliva pools in their cheek pouches, and when they shake their heads, the drool flies,” says Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, a staff veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.

And while you can wipe down the dog’s face to minimize the mess, there’s no way to prevent it — dealing with drool is just part of caring for your pet.

When Drooling Could Signal a Heat Emergency

In the summertime, sudden drooling may be a sign of heatstroke, says Dr. Hohenhaus. If temperatures are high, and your dog is panting and appears fatigued, get her into the shade or air conditioning immediately, as well as offer her a cool drink of water.

If she’s struggling to breathe, it’s a bona fide emergency, says Dr. Hohenhaus — and you need to head straight for the nearest animal E.R.

Other Possible Medical Causes

While some nondroolers will salivate more when nervous — like when they’re at the vet — excess drool, in general, isn’t indicative of a health problem, unless it’s unusual for your dog.

Dental problems, like periodontal disease and tooth abscesses, can cause some dogs to drool. A new drooling condition could also be a sign of disease or a health problem that’s preventing the dog from swallowing her saliva. Dr. Hohenhaus recommends taking a normally nondrooling dog to the vet at the outset of extreme salivation.

“It could be a sign of a neurological condition, in which the nerves in the face don’t work, or a blockage in the esophagus caused by something like a bone,” says Dr. Hohenhaus, adding that symptoms like gagging and retching should be considered urgent.

Another possible cause: mouth irritation. If your pup got into something unsafe, such as chewing an electrical wire or a noxious plant, her mouth could be irritated from electrical or chemical burns. Contact your vet if the drooling persists or if she repeatedly paws at her mouth.

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Why Does My Dog… Panic During Storms?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:28:29 +0000

Whoosh, flash… boom! Do thunderstorms make your dog quiver, cower and hide?

Experts don’t know why some pups are so bothered by storms, while others don’t flinch, but issues with noise tend to occur in canines who have other fear-related problems, such as separation anxiety. This link suggests that there may be a genetic predisposition to storm stress.

What to Do When a Storm Strikes

According to board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM, of the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, there are two ways to approach storm-induced panic. The first pertains to coping with the dog’s fear while the thunderstorm is happening — and the second involves preparing for future storms.

Dr. Sueda offers three key ways to help your dog when a storm hits:

Make sure that your pooch has a safe place to retreat. This could be a crate, a spare bedroom or simply a quiet room with closed windows — and possibly some background music — to block out the sounds of heavy rain and high winds.

Be there for your dog, but don’t coddle her. Overly comforting your pup may reinforce the fearful behavior, making it harder to weather future storms. Stay in the same room as your dog, but don’t overattend to her. Instead, distract her by offering to play with toys, and reward calm behavior. If she’s too nervous to play, simply sit in the same space with her.

Try to stay calm yourself. A placid owner will further help a dog to relax.

How to Prep Before the Next Storm

Once you know that your dog suffers from storm stress, there are a few things that Dr. Sueda says you can do to address the anxiety ahead of time:

Start the process of desensitizing your dog to storm noises. Consider investing in a CD of thunderstorm sounds for dogs, which can be played to gradually get the pup used to hearing the crack of lightning and the whoosh of wind. At first, you play the sounds very low while the dog is doing an activity that she loves — such as eating or playing — and then you gradually increase the volume level over time.

Look into calming pressure wraps. Similar to baby swaddle blankets, these shirts and coats help to reduce anxiety by enabling dogs to feel snug. “It’s the equivalent of giving your pet a remote hug when you can’t be there,” says Dr. Sueda. Some versions have a lining that combats static electricity, which some experts believe contributes to storm anxiety. Just be sure to discuss this option with your veterinarian first, and take care to ensure that your pet won’t get overheated in the garment.

Consider a natural calming product. A dog appeasing pheromone (D.A.P.) is designed to help reduce stress levels by mimicking naturally calming and comforting pheromones. A plug-in diffuser can gradually release the pheromone over a month, or you can spritz the product when the forecast calls for thunderstorms. Another option: Speak to your vet about calming treats that contain anti-anxiety nutraceuticals like tryptophan, L-theanine, vitamin B1 or colostrum complex. “I find that they are best [when] given prior to the storm or onset of anxiety,” says Dr. Sueda.

If these at-home strategies and tools don’t do the trick, talk to your vet about other treatment options, such as working with a veterinary behaviorist or trying a short-term anti-anxiety medication for a dog who has a severe reaction, like destructive chewing.

These measures can help reduce anxiety, prevent self-injury and improve a dog’s — and owner’s — quality of life.

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Why Does My Dog… Roll Onto Her Back When She’s Scared?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:28:29 +0000

Have you ever wondered why your normally assertive dog immediately flops onto her back whenever she feels fearful or threatened?

According to board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM, of the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, this is a classic — and normal — sign of submission or appeasement.

A Little Belly-Exposing History

When a dog presents her belly and neck in this situation, she’s expressing an ancestral trait rooted in wolf pack behavior that was used to communicate deference to other “alpha” dogs.

On a more practical note, it also helped wolves to avoid getting into a fight. Over time, nature selected appeasing wolves who were able to get out of potentially dangerous situations by peacefully persuading an aggressor to back off.

“The trait has been maintained through evolution, as well as domestication,” Dr. Sueda explains, adding that the habit isn’t necessarily a sign of weakness. It’s quite the opposite, in fact, and shows that she’s a good communicator capable of conveying via body language that there’s no need for a tussle.

When the Behavior May Point to a Problem

If your dog cowers all of the time, she may have a serious phobia.

It’s normal for a dog to roll over once in a while, but if it happens consistently in certain situations — like when you pull out the dreaded vacuum cleaner — consider consulting a trainer or a board-certified behaviorist about steps that you can take to ease her anxiety and teach her to make positive associations with the activity or object that’s triggering the fear.

The most important thing, Dr. Sueda says, is to avoid doing anything that can make the fear worse. If your dog’s anxiety is set off by something that you have done, simply walk away, and avoid touching her.

When she rolls over, her body language says, “I don’t want you to come any closer.” If you don’t give her space, you may only escalate her fearful feelings, causing her to potentially get aggressive.

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Why Does My Dog… Walk in a Circle Before Lying Down?

Denise Maher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:28:27 +0000

Many dogs will circle around a spot before they settle down to rest. While no one can be certain of the exact reason why canines do this, the ritual is likely a residual habit from the days when wolflike dogs lived out in the wild, says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM, of the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

Your dog’s ancestors had to sleep outside, in the elements, without much warmth or safety. Walking around a spot was a way to stamp down grass, leaves or snow and create a soft, level surface — something akin to carving out a nest.

Circle There and Dig This

After she circles, does your dog scratch at the bedding or carpeting before curling up? Just like circling, the digging action is probably an ancestral behavior related to staying safe and comfortable.

In extreme heat, digging a hole was a way to reduce a dog’s body temperature by surrounding herself with cool soil that could help regulate body heat. When it was cold — or even freezing — climbing into a hole allowed a dog to retain body heat and keep cozy.

So why haven’t our pampered house pets evolved away from these behaviors?

Don’t worry — circling is not a sign that your pet has heard the call of the wild. Adaptive behaviors tend to linger long after they’ve lost their usefulness if there’s nothing to discourage them or “select against the habit,” Dr. Sueda says.

When Circling Could Be Cause for Concern

Restlessness can be a sign of discomfort or even pain. If your dog is repeatedly circling and digging but can’t seem to get comfortable, she may have a health problem, such as arthritis or neurological problems.

You should observe your pet to see if she’s having trouble getting up and settling down. If she’s restless, take her to the vet to rule out pain and get a proper diagnosis.

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