Runny noses, sneezing fits, and sinus pressure are as uncomfortable for our dogs as they are for us. Fall allergies may play a role in seasonal upticks in nasal and sinus issues, but sinusitis and rhinitis can strike all year round. 

If your pet is suffering from what appears to be (for lack of a better term) a head cold, they may need a vet’s help to treat the issue and prevent a recurrence. Here’s how pet parents can help support their dog’s respiratory health. 

What Are Rhinitis and Sinusitis?

Both rhinitis and sinusitis describe respiratory discomfort, but the terms aren’t interchangeable.

Rhinitis refers specifically to the inflammation of the mucus membranes inside your dog’s nose, while sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses (the air-filled cavities that surround the nasal passages). Rhinitis and sinusitis can occur separately or simultaneously (rhinosinusitis). When this happens, you’re likely to notice a host of classic symptoms in your dog: 

•  Mucus overproduction
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Facial Swelling
• Pawing at nose and face
• Reduced appetite
• Labored breathing

What Causes Nose and Sinus Issues in Dogs?

If you’ve ever been unsure whether an illness was caused by allergies, a virus, or something else, it makes sense that sinusitis and rhinitis can have several different origin stories. 

Getting to the bottom of why your pet is sniffling is instrumental in getting them the relief they need. A veterinary exam can help distinguish between the most likely culprits. 

Infections

Certain viruses, bacteria, and fungi can cause painful inflammation in your dog’s nose and sinuses. In order to address infections effectively, it’s important to be certain of their cause. 

Bacteria like Bordetella, which causes kennel cough, may require antibiotics while canine parainfluenza could require an antiviral. Occasionally, the irritation caused by a viral infection can lead to a secondary, bacterial one. Only a laboratory culture can identify the best direction for treatment, so head to the vet with your under-the-weather pet. 

Allergies

For dogs, environmental allergies like dust mites, ragweed, and pollen typically show up in the form of red, itchy skin. If persistent sneezing and sniffling occur alongside skin symptoms, it’s a pretty good indicator that allergies may be involved. Medications and allergy-reduction strategies can help pets breathe a little easier during challenging times of the year. 

Dental Disease

The health of your dog’s dental roots has a direct effect on the health of their sinuses. If they are suffering from an infection or abscess, the bacteria can quickly migrate to the surrounding tissues. 

If you’ve noticed any of the common symptoms of canine dental disease, there is a good chance that your pet is already experiencing discomfort. Tooth and mouth infections are unlikely to resolve on their own, so don’t lose time addressing them. 

Cysts & Tumors

While rare, sinus cysts and nasal tumors can sometimes cause chronic inflammation. Cysts are most commonly seen in brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and Boston Terriers.

Foreign Bodies & Trauma to the Nose

Sometimes the source of a sinus infection is tissue trauma. 

The inside of your dog’s nose is quite delicate. If objects or debris become lodged in the nasal passages (or they’re injured in any other way) inflammation will quickly follow irritation. This inflammatory response can trigger sinusitis and rhinitis. 

Managing Your Dog’s Sinusitis and Rhinitis

For some dogs, nose and sinus issues may occur infrequently and resolve easily. Others may have a more chronic struggle that requires preventative measures. 

Depending on the root cause of your pet’s sinusitis or rhinitis, small changes may make a big difference in their quality of life. 

• Look out for your dog’s oral health and introduce regular toothbrushing.
• Wipe your pet’s face and paws after they go outdoors during allergy season.
• Wash bedding frequently.
• Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

Many of the viral and bacterial infections responsible for respiratory issues can be prevented with a vaccine, so work with your vet to make sure your dog stays up-to-date. 

Cooler weather is a great excuse to cook outdoors. Whether you’re planning to throw some veggies on the grill or roast wieners over a campfire, pet parents can expect some longing looks from their dogs. 

As tempting as it may be to toss your canine companion a bite off your plate, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers. Foods don’t have to be toxic to pets in order to cause harm. People who would never leave their dogs unattended around grapes or chocolate may not realize the damage that indigestible items, like corn cobs, can cause. 

Keep a close eye on your pet at your next cookout and steer clear of the emergency vet this fall.  

Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Unfortunately, confusion around whether or not dogs can safely eat corn results in countless veterinary emergencies throughout BBQ season. Corn kernels, removed from the cob and without any added salt or butter, are a healthy snack for dogs when consumed in moderation. 

Corn contains vitamins, protein, and fiber that promote good digestion and healthy bowel movements. Problems arise, however, when dogs are allowed to chew on the cob itself. 

Especially when they are drawn in by the taste of salt and fat, dogs can quickly swallow entire corn cobs. When their stomachs aren’t able to break down the indigestible cellulose, their bodies may attempt to move the cob through the digestive system intact, where it can form a dangerous blockage. 

Intestinal Obstructions are Medical Emergencies

When a corn cob (or any swallowed foreign object) blocks a portion of the digestive tract, time is of the essence. 

Blockages can press against the walls of the bowel or cause kinks that prevent healthy blood flow to that portion of the intestine. Without a fast intervention, tissue death (necrosis) or a bowel rupture is imminent. 

Where and how the corn cob gets stuck will depend heavily on the size of your dog and whether the cob was swallowed whole or chewed into pieces. In any case, the faster you present your pet for treatment, the more options your veterinarian will likely have.

If an x-ray reveals that the corn cob is still in your dog’s stomach, it may be possible to remove it with a scope or by inducing vomiting. Objects that have reached the intestines, however, will typically need to be removed through a surgical procedure called an . 

Symptoms of an Intestinal Blockage

If you see your dog swallow a corn cob, head to the emergency vet right away. If you caught your pet nosing through the trash and are concerned about what they may have eaten, monitor them closely for symptoms:

• Choking or gagging
• Pawing or rubbing their face or mouth
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal bloating
• Lethargy
• Odd behavior

If anything seems “off,” err on the side of caution and have your pet examined. 

Keep Dogs Safe at Cookouts and BBQs

An outdoor gathering wouldn’t be the same without pets in the yard. Taking a few simple precautions can keep the festivities fun and safe for everyone involved. 

Monitor Pets

Even very well-mannered dogs can struggle to control themselves around unattended food. Be aware of your pet’s activity and don’t rely on them to resist temptation on their own. 

Secure Garbage

Ensure that any food waste goes into a garbage can or compost bin with a sturdy lid. Encourage family members and guests to clear their plates as soon as they are finished eating so that scraps aren’t accessible. 

Be Cautious with Corn Handles

The small skewers that help you enjoy buttery grilled corn with less mess can make a swallowed corn cob particularly life-threatening for dogs. The sharp points designed to pierce the cob can easily perforate your pet’s throat, stomach, or bowel. If you choose to use corn handles, make sure they are removed before the cobs go into the compost or garbage.

If you’re familiar with terms like “orange cat behavior” and “tortitude,” you’re well aware that certain cat personality traits are associated with coat color. It’s not unusual for two cats living under the same roof to have dramatically different dispositions, and much like the stereotypes that follow blondes and redheads, baffled pet parents may attribute these quirks to color. 

Whether your feline companion is stubborn, clingy, friendly, or shy — is there any proven correlation between color and disposition? Here’s what researchers have uncovered so far. 

What Traits Do We Associate With Coat Color?

While most current evidence suggests that there is no causal relationship between coat color and behavior patterns, a 2022 study on cat personality traits and cat-owner relationships did uncover certain correlations. 

What remains unclear is whether color itself explains the researchers’ observations or if the cats in the study were influenced by their owners’ expectations. In other words, it’s possible that people who anticipate that their cat will be outgoing, reserved, or mischievous based on their coat color may help create this reality by the way they socialize their cat. 

Let’s explore some of the prevailing stereotypes around cat color. 

Tabbies

Tabby cats come in a wide range of striped patterns and earth-tone colors. They are known for being social, vocal, affectionate, and curious about visitors. A tabby who wants to be the center of attention at your next gathering fulfills many people’s expectations of stripey cats. 

Black Cats

While they are considered bad luck in some cultures, many people associate black cats with grace and mystery. Some scientists considered black cats more evolutionarily advanced than their brightly-colored counterparts, as their dark coat helps them sneak up on prey. As pets, black cats are associated with loyalty and intelligence. 

Gray Cats

The 2022 study seems to bear out common gray cat stereotypes. Silver-coated cats are known for being aloof, independent, and quick to hide from unfamiliar noises and people. 

Tortoiseshells

Tortoiseshell cats, affectionately known as “torties,” are widely considered sassy and moody. Pet parents familiar with “tortitude” have probably experienced a tortoiseshell cat go from playful to grouchy in the blink of an eye. People who love torties tend to view their temperamental nature as endearing. 

Calicos

Calico cats are a beautiful blend of black, white, and orange. Their reputation for being stubborn, independent, and selectively affectionate may have more to do with the fact that virtually all tri-colored cats are female. Many pet parents report that, even after being spayed, female cats are generally more protective and less clingy than males. 

Orange Cats

A quick search for orange cat antics says it all: we expect orange felines to be playful, affectionate, and a bit chaotic. Around 80% of orange cats are male, which may explain why they tend to be bolder and more vocal around strangers.

White and Cream Cats

The delicate, refined appearance of white cats probably contributes to our perception of them as shy and quiet. Only about 5% of cats have all-white coats, making them one of the rarer varieties of domestic long and short hairs. 

The Role of Perception

The same study that found a correlation between coat color and personality also explored the relationship between cat-owner interactions and traits like friendliness and boldness. 

The level of emotional closeness between a cat and their human predicted an outgoing and active personality, as did the amount of time cats and owners spent together playing or cuddling. These findings indicate the way a cat is socialized may impact their friendliness as much or more than the genetics behind their coat color. Unfortunately, this correlation cuts both ways — pet parents who expect their cat to be fearful or temperamental may interact with their pet less frequently, creating a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Coat Color and Adoption Rates

Sadly, coat color has a definitive and measurable impact on adoption rates. Black and tuxedo cats experience the highest rates of euthanasia (74%) and the lowest rates of adoption (10%), while white cats are most likely to find a new home. Considering that 50-80% of all shelter cats are euthanized in some NC counties, “black cat bias” is a death sentence for many cats and kittens. 

Prospective cat owners who want a loving, outgoing pet should know that they play an important role in shaping their new friend’s personality. Cats of any color make ideal companions when they get enough attention, affection, and enrichment. 

Cats are known to be conscientious self-cleaners, but occasionally, grooming goes too far. If your feline friend is suddenly fixated on licking themselves, it’s likely because of a change in their mental or physical health.

As mysterious as cats can be, it’s important to uncover the reason behind excessive grooming before it leads to bald patches and sores. Explore the common physical and behavioral causes of overgrooming to get your pet the relief they need. 

Why Do Cats Groom Themselves?

Anyone who has ever been licked by a cat knows that their tongues are designed for cleaning. That familiar sandpaper feeling is actually caused by papillae, or tiny, hollow, inward-facing spikes. 

Cats’ rough tongues function as a kind of multitool that helps them break down tough proteins and lap up water with more efficiency. Their most obvious use, however, is the perfect hairbrush. 

Physical Reasons for Grooming

Like their big cat ancestors, domestic felines tend to be solitary creatures once they reach adulthood. Self-grooming is an adaptation that allows cats to clean themselves without relying on the help of other pack members. 

Healthy cats groom themselves to distribute their skin oils throughout their coats and remove pests, burrs, and mats. It’s also possible that their hunting instincts compel them to try to remove their scent to make it easier to surprise prey. 

Psychological Reasons for Grooming

Though adult cats are notoriously independent, for kittens, grooming is a crucial bonding activity. Shared grooming experiences release endorphins, the “happy hormones” that foster closeness between kittens and their mothers and siblings. 

After they’re grown, cats continue to experience this flood of endorphins during self-grooming. Just like we may reach for a favorite childhood treat at the end of a bad day, cats will sometimes use grooming to self-soothe during periods of stress. 

Excessive grooming is often a sign that your cat is coping with a difficult change or concealing pain. 

When to Worry about Obsessive Licking

If overgrooming doesn’t stop soon after a stressful event (like vacuuming the floors) ends, or if licking is starting to cause hair loss or skin irritation, contact your veterinarian. 

Common Causes of Overgrooming in Cats

To effectively treat overgrooming, you have to correctly identify the underlying cause. Here are a few of the more common explanations for your cat’s oral fixation. 

Pain 

While it’s certainly true that cats lick their wounds, they may also use grooming as a way of coping with internal discomfort. 

Because cats tend to be stoic, painful conditions like joint problems, kidney disease, and UTIs can sometimes only be identified through subtle behavioral changes. It’s important to rule out serious health conditions before attributing overgrooming to seasonal allergies or stress. 

Allergies and Infections

Atopic dermatitis is a generic term for irritated, inflamed skin. If red, itchy skin is to blame for overgrooming, it’s possible that your pet is having an allergic reaction to:

• Mold
• Pollen
• Plastics
• Dust mites 
• Specific proteins
• Flea bites
• Parasitic infections of the skin

Depending on the cause of your cat’s allergies, flea prevention, dietary changes, or veterinary-prescribed antihistamines may resolve incessant licking. 

Environmental Changes

As excited as you may be about your new furniture, roommate, or job schedule, don’t be surprised if your cat isn’t a fan of the change. 

Our feline friends thrive on routine, so upsets that feel minor to us can cause them a great deal of stress. Make sure that you are adding plenty of play and personal attention into your cat’s day, and give them a safe space they can easily escape to if they feel overwhelmed. 

If emotional overgrooming doesn’t resolve within a few days, make an appointment with your vet to explore other options for managing your cat’s anxiety. 

Relocated Litter Boxes

Regardless of your reason for doing so, many cats consider disturbing their litter box to be an offense of the highest order. 

If you’ve had to make changes to your cat’s litter box due to a move or a change in your household, you may need to be prepared to negotiate. Offering multiple boxes in different locations throughout your house can help you understand your cat’s preferences and relieve some of the stress brought on by the change.

What to Do About Excessive Grooming

A sudden uptick in grooming is a likely signal that your cat is struggling. Playing the role of the investigator as soon as you notice overgrooming can help spare your cat from hair loss and painful secondary skin infections. 

Visit your vet to rule out serious health concerns and get curious about any recent changes that could be causing your cat physiological stress. Like any family member, cats thrive when both their physical and emotional needs are met. 

If you know, you know (and if you don’t, you’re probably horrified). For some dog parents, the dreaded butt scoot is an unmissable sign that their dog’s anal glands have become uncomfortably swollen and need expressing. For others, it simply never comes up. 

While most dogs will live their entire lives never needing any maintenance on their anal glands, others will routinely require your help. If your pet is dragging their rear, acting quickly can prevent painful inflammation and infections (and save your carpet). 

What Do Dogs’ Anal Sacs Do?

Just beneath the skin on either side of your dog’s anus are two grape-sized glands that emit a foul-smelling fluid. Scientists still aren’t completely sure of its purpose, but there are two prevailing theories: 

Some veterinary experts believe that the fluid excreted from the anal sacs exists to lubricate hard-to-pass-stools with less trauma to the rectum. Others believe that the fluid contains pheromones that function as a calling card for other dogs, providing information about the age and sex of the dog that had a bowel movement. This theory may explain why pets tend to sniff each others’ butts when they are first introduced. 

Regardless of which theory is more accurate, the result is an inconvenient reality for many pet parents. If the anal sacs don’t release fully on their own when your dog passes stool, they become swollen and irritated. 

If you notice your dog dragging their bum across the carpet, they are likely trying to use their body weight to squeeze the excess fluid from the anal sacs. Aside from being unsanitary, this behavior can traumatize the skin and lead to infection. 

Which Dogs Need Their Glands Expressed?

Most veterinarians and groomers associate anal gland expressions with smaller pets, but dogs of any breed may require maintenance on their glands. A better predictor of anal gland issues are health factors like: 

• Obesity
• Chronic diarrhea or soft stools 
• Insufficient fiber intake
• Skin allergies
• Congenital abnormalities of the anus

Symptoms

Anal gland expression isn’t necessarily a regular part of pet healthcare — most dogs will release trapped glandular fluid on their own when they have a bowel movement. If your dog isn’t showing any signs of distress, there is no reason to interfere. 

That said, keep an eye out for the classic signs of anal gland problems:

• Scooting or dragging
• Obsessive licking or biting of the affected area
• Redness and swelling
• Straining during bowel movements
• Bloody stool
• A strong, foul or fishy smell  

Abscesses and Infections

Glands that go unexpressed can become impacted and infected. Over time, they can burst through the skin in the form of painful open sores, or abscesses. These dogs may require antibiotics or surgery to drain the infection. 

Fortunately, proactive care can prevent anal gland issues from becoming serious medical events. 

Can I Express My Dog’s Glands at Home?

Because it is an unpleasant task, many pet parents choose to have their veterinarian or groomer express their dogs’ anal glands when the need arises. If your pet requires more frequent attention, however, it may become impractical to outsource the job. 

If you’d like to learn how to express your dog’s anal glands at home, schedule an appointment with your vet and ask them to demonstrate the best way to perform the procedure without damaging any delicate tissue. 

Preventing Anal Glands Disease

Though some dogs will have a genetic predisposition towards anal sac issues, diet is the most practical way to reduce the frequency with which the glands become swollen. 

Dogs who aren’t consuming enough dietary fiber to produce voluminous stools won’t be able to express their glands during bowel movements. Similarly, dogs who are chronically dehydrated will have unnecessarily thick glandular fluid that doesn’t excrete easily. If you notice your dog’s secretions are more toothpaste-like than liquid, chances are they don’t have enough moisture in their diet. 

There are plenty of tasty, natural treats that contribute to healthy stools already in your fridge or pantry. Add a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to your pet’s kibble, or reward good behavior with fibrous, hydrating snacks like blueberries, carrots, green beans, and seedless watermelon. 

Want to invite your dog into the pool but worried about how the chlorine or salt will affect their skin and coat? 

Good news! Clean, properly maintained swimming pools are generally safe for pets. Provided that your dog doesn’t have a skin infection, open wounds, or sensitive skin, feel free to include the whole family in your next dip. 

Like us, dogs require some prep and aftercare when they come into contact with chlorine (or any body of water). Here are a few tips to keep your swim session fun and safe for your canine companion. 

1. Groom Your Dog Before Swimming

We’ve all ignored a “Please Shower Before Entering” sign at our public pool, but for dogs, a pre-swim bath is essential. 

Washing and brushing your dog thoroughly before they jump in keeps the experience hygienic for everyone. It will also prevent dirt and hair from disrupting your pool’s chemistry and clogging your filter. 

2. Keep Pool Chemicals Balanced

Whether you have a saltwater or chlorine pool, it’s important to make sure the chemicals are within acceptable ranges before inviting any member of your family in for a dip.

Saltwater pools have become increasingly popular thanks to their lower levels of chlorine and softer water, but they still have the potential to irritate skin if they become unbalanced. The more time you or your dog spend in the pool, the more the hypochlorous acid strips the skin of its natural oils. Limit swims to a sensible amount of time, and avoid going in immediately after adding chemicals. 

3. Don’t Let Your Dog Drink Pool Water

Swallowing a little chlorinated water is all part of the experience — and safe in small amounts. However, if you notice your dog has started lapping up the pool water, remove them immediately and offer them something else to drink. 

It’s a good idea to discourage dogs from drinking any water that they’re swimming in. Too much chlorine can lead to an upset stomach, but lake water can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Saltwater is especially dangerous. Dogs who swallow too much are at risk of sodium toxicity — a life-threatening neurological emergency. 

Whether you’re in your backyard or headed out for a day on the lake, make sure that you have enough clean water to satisfy your dog’s thirst so he doesn’t look elsewhere.

4. Don’t Bring Dog Toys Into the Pool

Dogs have relatively poor depth perception, made worse by distortion underwater. When your dog dives for a toy or tries to grab one out of the pool, they can easily misjudge the distance and get injured. 

Scrapes, head trauma, and chipped teeth from accidentally clamping down on the filter or pool ladder instead of a toy are surprisingly common summertime injuries. Play it safe and keep your pet’s favorite rope outside of the pool. 

5. Watch Dogs Closely in Water

Some dogs are natural swimmers, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to leave them unsupervised. Solo swimming is inadvisable for human adults, so it only makes sense that we should keep an eye on our pets in water.

Keep swim sessions to a reasonable length, take breaks, and watch your dog for signs of exhaustion. Even healthy, water-loving dogs can tire out suddenly. Especially if you’re in a situation where you can’t quickly and easily remove your dog from the water, consider outfitting your pet with a lifejacket.

6. Don’t Force It

Water isn’t for everyone. Your dog’s breed is a pretty good predictor of whether or not they will be an enthusiastic swimming companion, but personality is also a factor. 

In general, dogs with long, dense bodies and shorter legs may feel uneasy in water and require close monitoring if they do decide to take a dip. Keep a watchful eye on breeds like:

• Dachshunds 
• Pugs
• Maltese
• Chihuahuas 
• Bassets 
• Bulldogs
• Chows

If your dog isn’t feeling it, don’t insist. Trying to force an enjoyable water-based experience can backfire and make bathtime harder. 

7. Beware of Ear Infections

If water gets trapped in the inner ear for a long period of time, dogs and humans alike can develop swimmer’s ear. Bacteria in improperly maintained pools or natural bodies of water can enter the ear canal and multiply, causing painful inflammation. 

While swimming in clean water can reduce the odds of an ear infection, some dogs are simply prone to them. If your canine friend has long, floppy ears like a basset hound or cocker spaniel, it may be difficult to completely dry out their ears after a swim. Chronically irritated ears can lead to complications like hematomas, so at-risk dogs may be better off lounging by the pool than jumping in.

8. Rinse and Dry Your Dog After a Swim

Letting chlorinated water dry on your skin and hair is just as uncomfortable for your dog as it is for you. Whether you’ve spent the day at the pool or in the ocean, remove any left behind chemicals or minerals when you’re done for the day. 

Rinse your dog with fresh water to keep their skin and coat healthy. Remember to dry them thoroughly, especially between skin folds and toes. A little extra attention will keep their paws healthy and yeast and fungus at bay. 

For dog parents, summertime means long walks and afternoons at the park. It also means high temperatures, hot sidewalks, and a unique set of safety considerations. 

When the weather is hot, dogs’ internal temperature can rise faster than their bodies can dissipate heat. This condition, called heat stroke or hyperthermia, is a medical emergency. 

Sadly, heat stroke is more common than many pet parents realize, and it’s not limited to pets left in hot cars — when temperatures climb, your dog can overheat just by being outdoors. The prognosis for heat stroke is poor, and dogs who survive can experience long-term health issues. 

Learn the warning signs of heat stroke and get prevention tips so you and your canine companion can enjoy sunny days safely. 

What is Heat Stroke?

Essentially, heat stroke is a high fever that occurs when the outside temperature causes your dog’s body temperature to rise.   

Unlike us, dogs aren’t able to dissipate body heat by sweating. Their primary mechanisms for regulating internal temperature are panting and vasodilation. 

Panting works by passing air over the moist surfaces of their nose and tongue so that it cools as they inhale. 

Vasodilation causes blood vessels in the ears and face to expand so that warmer blood can cycle closer to the skin’s surface to cool down. 

When a dog’s body temperature exceeds their normal 101.5℉, these regulatory functions kick in to return it to a safe baseline. On very hot days, however, dogs who don’t have sufficient access to water and shade may be unable to keep their temperature down.

Three and a half degrees Fahrenheit may sound negligible, but for dogs, it’s the danger zone. Body temps of 105℉ can damage organ systems and cause serious neurological complications.

Symptoms of Hyperthermia in Dogs

The early warning signs of heat stroke tend to look a lot like general distress. Overheated dogs will pant and drool excessively and may seem hyperactive or unusually clumsy. 

As heat rises and dehydration worsens, dogs can experience:

• Dry nose, tongue, and gums
• Rapid heart rate 
• Muscle spasms
• Low blood pressure
• Dilated pupils 
• Loss of motor control
• Coma

Dogs who don’t get a fast, thorough medical intervention can experience serious long-term complications from a heat stroke episode, including brain damage, arrhythmia, and kidney and liver failure. 

Risk Factors for Heat Stroke

Though heat stroke can affect any dog who doesn’t have sufficient relief from hot weather, some are particularly at risk. Exercise extra caution with:

• Puppies and senior dogs
• Brachycephalic breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston Terriers
• Overweight or out-of-shape dogs
• Dogs with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease or hypothyroidism

Never Leave a Dog in a Hot Car

Sadly, one of the biggest contributors to summertime heat stroke is entirely preventable. Many people leave their pets in the car to run errands assuming that the internal temperature of the car will stay similar to the outside temperature. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

With no air circulating, a locked car heats up rapidly. Within 10 minutes, the air inside the cab is nearly 20℉ hotter than the ambient temperature. Check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Vehicle Interior Air Temperature Estimator, and always bring pets inside with you or leave them at home on warm days. 

What to Do If Your Dog Overheats

If you suspect that hyperthermia is setting in, move your dog to a cool area immediately and offer room temperature water. Never spray or splash your dog with cold water, as lowering their temperature too quickly can cause shock. 

Get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible, even if they seem to normalize once they cool down. Follow-up treatment may be necessary to prevent any long-term health problems resulting from the episode. 

Keep Pets Safe This Summer

When it comes to heat stroke, prevention is the best policy. Avoid long walks and play sessions during the hottest part of the day, and limit exposure, particularly for at-risk dogs. 

Help keep your pet’s natural mechanisms for temperature regulation working by ensuring they’re properly hydrated. Unlike cats, dogs don’t usually have to be coaxed into drinking, but be certain that they have good access to plenty of clean water throughout the day so their bodies are prepared to deal with the heat. 

Although dogs’ normal body temperature is a few degrees hotter than ours, remember that they aren’t as well-equipped to dissipate heat. If you’re feeling hot, your dog is even hotter — give them a cool place to lounge when temps are high. 

You may consider yourself more of a “cat person” or a “dog person” but it turns out that many of us are both. 17% of American households have both dogs and cats, proving that interspecies friendship (or at least tolerance) is completely possible. 

When it’s dinner time in multi-pet households, one of the biggest challenges can be keeping everyone in their own food dish. Dogs who live with cats are likely to be curious about what their feline siblings are eating and may find it hard to resist sneaking a bite. 

If it feels like it requires constant vigilance to keep your dog from woofing down the cat’s dinner, you may wonder if there’s any harm in it — or why you have to buy two kinds of food in the first place. Here’s what pet parents need to know about their cat-food-loving dog.

Nutritional Differences in Dogs and Cats

Anatomically, cats and dogs are pretty different. 

Cats are obligate carnivores who rely on meat for essential nutrients. Their acidic stomachs and short intestines are built to break down proteins efficiently, so they don’t rely on fiber for digestion or carbohydrates for energy (in fact, a high-carb diet is a risk factor for feline diabetes). High-quality cat foods are protein-first to ensure that they provide all of the vitamins and amino acids that cats can’t make on their own. 

Dogs, on the other hand, need to supplement their meat-based diet with carbs and fiber for healthy digestion. Dog food is made to be consumed at a much higher volume than cat food, so it is lower in fat, calories, and protein by weight.

Why Dogs May Crave Cat Food

Because cat food is protein-first and higher in fat, it’s not unusual for dogs to decide that they prefer the cat’s dinner to their own. In fact, sometimes cat food obsession runs so deep, it may explain why your dog raids the litter box. 

This behavior is a nuisance, it’s understandable. Our dogs’ wolf ancestors were opportunistic hunters who appreciated an energy-dense meal whenever possible. Your canine family members may find cat food may be exceptionally delicious, but it’s not a good idea to let them indulge. 

The Risks of Feeding Dogs Cat Food

Cats and dogs have very different nutritional needs. Though the occasional bite of cat food isn’t likely to have serious repercussions, repeat offenders can experience health problems.

Upset Stomach

Generalized gastrointestinal distress is the most common short-term consequence for dogs who steal the cat’s dinner. If vomiting, diarrhea, and gas don’t resolve quickly, visit your veterinarian. It’s possible that a more serious issue is to blame. 

Pancreatitis

The fat that makes cat food so appealing to dogs also makes it dangerous because it can easily cause pancreatitis. Digestive enzymes produced in your dog’s pancreas are responsible for breaking down dietary fat. Too much rich food can cause the pancreas to become inflamed.

Pancreatitis is extremely painful and can lead to death if not treated quickly. Get to the vet right away if your dog is experiencing:

• Abdominal swelling
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Weakness
• Prolonged vomiting

Vitamin D Toxicity

Because cats’ bodies don’t produce the same range of vitamins and amino acids as their canine counterparts, cat food contains a much higher concentration of these nutrients. Dogs who gorge themselves on cat food may accidentally consume a toxic dose of fat-soluble vitamins. 

Acute vitamin D toxicity can be life-threatening for dogs, but harmful levels can also build up over time. Dogs who consistently sneak cat food may be consuming vitamin D faster than their bodies can metabolize it, putting them at risk for kidney failure.  

Canine Obesity

Even if cat food doesn’t cause your dog a medical emergency, regular consumption will cause them to gain weight. Dogs with a poor body condition score (BCS) are at risk for joint problems, diabetes, and an overall lower quality of life. 

Keeping Your Dog Out of the Cat’s Food

If you want to help your dog kick the cat food habit, it’s not reasonable to expect them to rely on willpower. 

Your presence during meal times may be enough to discourage sneaky bites, but even well-behaved dogs probably can’t resist temptation if you’re out of sight. Especially for pet parents who let their cats graze throughout the day, it’s best to create a physical barrier for your dog. Move your cat’s bowl to a higher elevation, or use a pet gate to create a separate feeding area.

Finally, avoid using cat food as a reward. Instead, head to the kitchen for some equally convenient, healthy dog treat options.