1. Instincts

Responsible pet owners provide their dogs with a balanced diet containing all the nutrients their pets need, but dogs didn’t always have their meals served to them in silver bowls. Some think that dogs’ tendency to eat grass is an instinct left over from when they had to fend for themselves and find their own meals, fiber, and well-rounded nutrition.

2. Nutritional Deficiency

Pets and people can experience a condition called pica which is characterized by the instinct to look for nutrients in strange places. Pica often occurs when a pet or person has a nutritional deficiency, and it makes them crave odd things. Some people believe that a dog’s drive to eat grass is actually pica and could indicate a lack of fiber or other nutrients in the dog’s diet.

3. Emotional Issues

Dogs experiencing stress, anxiety, boredom, or separation anxiety tend to eat grass more frequently than calm, entertained, and happy dogs.

4. They Like It

Another possible reason why your dog might be chowing down on grass is simply that he likes the way it tastes or feels in his mouth.

1. Behavior Changes

Unexplained changes to your pet’s normal behavior, such as unusual aggression, restlessness, hiding or sleeping more than usual, could all indicate pain.

2. Accidents in the House

If your pet is normally very well house trained and suddenly starts having trouble making it outside or to the litter box in time, this could be a sign of pain or other illness.

3. Posture or Facial Expression Changes

A pet in pain might stand, sit, rise, walk, or rest in a slightly different position than usual. They may also stare, have a fixed gaze or dilated pupils, and can squint their eyes more than usual.

4. Limping or Limb Favoring

Your pet might favor one limb or hold it off the ground when walking or even at rest.

5. Excessive Panting, Purring, or Vocalization

Panting at rest, purring constantly, whimpering, yowling, hissing, growling, or howling can indicate pain.

Any changes – even subtle ones – to your pet’s behavior, appetite, appearance, energy level, or routine could be an indication of pain or illness. If you notice anything unusual about your pet, we encourage you to schedule a sick pet appointment at Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital.

Utilizing The American Hospital Association’s Guidelines for Pain Management as our guide, we can provide immediate and ongoing relief of your pet’s pain by examining your pet, determining a diagnosis and providing safe and effective treatment to address the underlying cause of your dog or cat’s pain.

To learn more about pet pain management, visit our Pain Management Page or contact Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital today.

1. It’s the Law
New York State Law requires all dog and cat owners to vaccinate their pets against Rabies to prevent both the pet and their human family members from contracting this deadly disease.

2. Safe and Effective
Most people have never heard of the diseases that we commonly vaccinate pets for simply because the vaccinations that we use are so effective. Many of these diseases are severe, lack effective treatments, and can be fatal and prior to the development of these vaccines, many pets became ill and/or died from these diseases.

With every vaccination, there is a small risk of an adverse reaction. However, the benefit of vaccination far outweighs this small risk because vaccines, when administered on the appropriate schedule, are incredibly effective at protecting your pet.

3. Protects Your Human Family Members
Additionally, vaccines protect pets from contracting zoonotic diseases (i.e. those that can be transmitted between animals and people). So, vaccinating your pet for Rabies and, if appropriate, Leptospirosis also protects the people in your family from being exposed to these dangerous illnesses.

Your pet might be suffering from seasonal allergies, if they exhibit any of the following signs or symptoms as the pollen counts increase this spring and summer:

• Excessive itching and scratching
• Head shaking
• Biting or licking at their skin
• Skin redness
• Foul-smelling ears or skin
• Hair loss or bald spots
• Red or swollen paws
• Runny or red eyes
• Sneezing

It’s more common for allergies to express themselves in dermatological problems than in respiratory issues, but these symptoms can all indicate seasonal allergies.

To determine if your pet needs to lose weight, there are a lot of signs that you might be able to see if you know what you are looking for. The Animal Hospital Association of America (AAHA) has created a chart that can help you determine the healthy weight of your pet, but these general tips can help you determine if your pet needs to lose weight:

1. Shape from above
When viewed from above or the side, both cats and dogs should have an obvious waist. The chest should be the widest part of the body, which should narrow in front of the hind legs. A sausage or rounded shape is a telltale sign of extra weight.

2. Hidden Ribs
You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs. As you run your fingers along their ribcage, there should be a very faint layer of fat overlying the ribs. If there is a thick layer of fat or you can’t feel the ribs at all, then your pet is carrying around too much weight.

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
OTC medications that contain ibuprofen and/or naproxen such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are dangerous for pets. Prescription versions like Mobic, Celebrex and Feldene as well as some topical ointments like Diclofenac are also highly toxic. Even just a small amount can cause serious harm like serious ulcers and kidney failure.

2. Acetaminophen
Very small amounts of acetaminophen, the drug found in Tylenol can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to severe anemia. In dogs, it can cause liver failure in addition to damaging red blood cells. Acetaminophen ingestion is often fatal in pets

Lab tests help us detect the earliest signs of disease. With routine lab work, we’re often able to diagnose and begin treating a pet’s illness before they even begin to experience symptoms or pain. As a rule of thumb, both chronic and acute illnesses are most successfully treated the sooner they’re diagnosed and addressed.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most dogs and cats suffer from some form of dental disease by the time they’re three years old. This means most dogs and cats are facing some pretty serious general health concerns.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums that occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up along the gum line. This buildup creates pockets between the teeth and the gums where bacteria thrive. Gum disease can cause oral pain and discomfort in addition to persistent bad breath, red/swollen/bleeding gums, tooth and jaw bone decay, and tooth loss.

Beyond the mouth, the bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream leading to systemic problems and infections. Left unaddressed, bacteria from periodontal disease can damage your pet’s internal organs, ultimately shortening their lifespan.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease and safeguard your pet’s health and wellbeing is with regular at-home and professional dental care.

At home, you can care for your pet’s teeth by brushing regularly with a specially designed pet toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for cats or dogs. You can also provide your pet with dental-friendly treats, chew toys and other preventative products recommended by veterinary dentists.

We also recommend calling for an appointment if your pet is due for their annual wellness or geriatric exam OR if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms at home:

• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Red or swollen gums
• Difficulty chewing or favoring one side of the mouth
• Discolored teeth
• Pawing at the mouth

During your appointment, our veterinarian will closely examine your pet’s teeth and gums. We will then discuss any abnormal findings and if your pet could benefit from a professional dental cleaning appointment which includes scaling and polishing the teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup and taking dental X-rays to screen for problems that could be occurring inside the teeth or below the gum line.

To learn more about caring for your pet’s teeth or to schedule a pet dental appointment at Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital, we welcome you to contact our office today.