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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
DEC 2015/JAN 2016
20 Years Emergency Veterinary Medicine Behind Us. ANIMAL PAWS Please call for FREE consultation. Last minute bookings for existing clients. (no late fee) BONDED & INSURED Nominated by National Animal Pet Sitting Association for 2015 for one of the Best Pet Sitting Services in the Nation. PETS ENJOY BEING HOME! Pet Sitting, LLC 13 Years of Loving Professional Pet Sitting Experience Cell 908-963-0311 email: michele@animalpaws.net animalpaws.org Vacations, daily dog walking, overnight stays, client education on animal care. We do transporta- tion, give insulin injections, SQ fluids, dog hikes. DOES TAKING PHOTOS CAUSE YOU TO MISS OUT DURING YOUR PARTIES? 908-208-1361 Bev@friendwithacamera.com www.friendwithacamera.com Book now for your next party so you don’t miss the fun! “Hiring FriendWith A Camera gave me the gift of time to spend with my family.” – LeonaY FRIEND WITH A CAMERA Your party photographer LLC DIARRHEA IN DOGS: CAUSES & TREATMENT By: Michele Patanio, Animal Paws Pet Sitting LLC 908-963-0311 animalpaws.net Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet or a more serious ill- ness or infection. Diarrhea may be sudden in onset and short in duration. It can also last for weeks to months or occur off and on. A single bout of diar- rhea is generally not a cause for concern in dogs -- but if it persists for more than a day, it can lead to dehydration, or it may indicate an underlying health issue and should be checked out by a veterinarian. What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs? • Change in diet • Food intolerance • Ingestion of garbage or spoiled food • Ingestion of poisonous substances or toxic plant material • Ingestion of foreign body (for example, toy, rub- ber band, plastic bag, etc.) • Allergic reaction • Bacterial or viral infection • Internal parasites, such as roundworms, coccidia and giardia • Inflammatory bowel disease • Kidney or liver disease • Cancer or other tumors of the digestive tract • Certain medications • Colitis • Stress • Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis What Are the General Symptoms of Diarrhea? Loose or liquid, frequent stools are the most com- mon symptoms of diarrhea in dogs. Other signs include gas, blood or mucus in stool, changes in vol- ume of stool and straining to defecate. Lethargy, dehydration, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss and an increased urgency to defecate may also accompany diarrhea. If your dog’s diarrhea is black, he could be experienc- ing internal bleeding of the stomach or small intestine and should be examined by a vet immediately. How Do I Treat Diarrhea? It is often recommended that you avoid giving your dog any food for 12-24 hours while he’s experiencing diarrhea, but do provide plenty of fresh, clean water to stave off dehydration. Check with your veterinari- an about the proper course of treatment for your dog’s specific case. Boiled chicken or boiled chop meat and long grain rice. If after a few days better go back to regular food, a little amount at a time. When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet? Bring your dog to the vet if his diarrhea continues for more than a day, or if you observe lethargy, vom- iting, fever, dark-colored or bloody stools, straining to defecate, decreased appetite or unexplained weight loss. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice your puppy has diarrhea, as it can be an important indicator of serious diseases in young dogs. What Can I Expect at the Vet’s Office? Your veterinarian will examine your dog for underly- ing illnesses and assess for dehydration. He or she may take a stool sample to check for the presence of internal parasites, as well as conduct blood tests to identify a possible cause of the diarrhea. Other diagnostic tests might include radiographs, ultrasound, cultures, endoscopy and biopsy. The diag- nostic tests performed and treatment recommended will depend on how long the diarrhea has been going on and the severity of your dog’s condition. Please always check with your regular veterinarian. May I please take a moment to say a few words about a lost furry friend of Animal Paws! We have cared for Winnie for almost 10 years and she will be truly missed! I would be driving down Cooper Lane. Winnie would see me, her head would pop up and she would come running down the road, so happy to see me her mom would have to hold her collar. She would make me so happy and my heart full of joy. Her head would tilt and have a big happy smile on her face. We would get into my car and off on our adventure for our daily trail walk. She would stick her nose in holes any places a little furry creature might be. She was so full of energy just happy to be with you anywhere you went. She would look back and say Ok Sadee and Nala I am in control. I sit in the front seat! She brought so much joy & love to all who knew her. We all will miss her. And knowing she is with my Jessie in heaven and all our lost 4 footed furry friends makes it easier for all who lost her. Farewell my 4 footed furry friend you we always be in our hearts! Till we all meet again… Wonderful Autumn & Winter to all! www.theconnectionsnj.com