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By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Anxiety in Pets

Pets can exhibit a variant of different behavioral conditions. Fear is an adverse emotional state in reaction to a perceived threat or danger. Phobia is a sudden profound or excessive fear response. Anxiety is a diffuse generalized unease. It can be situational or generalized on a daily basis by multiple stimuli.

These behavioral conditions can be the result of a negative experience or could be from a lack of exposure (new situation). Many pets especially those that show anxiety on a regular basis have a genetic component and the brain chemical balance is altered. Anxiety disorders are common and affect about 23 million pets in the US.

Signs

Pets can show a variety of signs of fear including: increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate (panting), sweating, trembling, pacing, urination, defecation and/or anal sac secretion. Behaviorally, a pet will exhibit changes in body language or activity when afraid. Which may include avoiding eye contact, looking away, turning away, licking the lips, yawning, scratching, wet dog shaking, or freezing. More obvious changes in body language may include lowering of the head and body, pinning the ears back closer to the head, widening the eyes, and tucking the tail under the body. The pet may engage in active avoidance responses, such as fleeing or hiding or could show aggressive behaviors.

Anxiety is manifested with similar physiological signs of fear, but they occur with the anticipation of a fear inducing event. Anxiety may manifest in pets through excessive vocalization, destructive or escape behavior, inappropriate elimination (urination, defection, or urine marking), compulsive, stereotypic, or repetitive behaviors like excessive grooming, and panting, pacing, or drooling.

Treatment

If your pet is having problems with fear, phobia or anxiety the first step would be to have them examined by your veterinarian and include some basic laboratory tests such as a chemistry, complete blood count, urinalysis and tick testing to make sure there is no medical reason for their behavior.

Part of the recommended therapy may be to work with a trainer. There are dog trainers that will work with pets with behavioral problem. There are also veterinary behaviorists that have went additional school and just work with pets that have behavioral problems.

Supplement Options

The goal of medications or supplements is to decrease the level of anxiety for the pet and to make their life better. The anxiety will likely not be eliminated and the pet will require continued management.

1. Solliquin- This is a daily chew that contains a combination of natural ingredients that help normalize brain activity. Read more at solliquin.com
2. Calm- This is a daily powder that is a naturally occurring bacteria that helps calm pets.
3. Adaptil (dogs) Feliway (cats)- This is a natural pheromone. It comes in a collar, spray or diffuser. It helps mimic the mother’s natural hormones to calm pets. Adaptil.com
4. Thundershirt- This is a tight-fitting body wrap that applies gentle pressure causing the release of natural calming hormones in the pet’s body. It can be worn as needed or on a daily basis.

There are other natural supplements on the market. Talk to you veterinarian for recommendations. Most natural supplements you need to give at least 4-6 weeks to determine their full effect.

Medication Options

Some pets will only need medications as needed before an event. Some common examples would be for storm or firework phobias.

1. Trazodone-This tablet medication is the most commonly used as-needed anxiety medication for dogs.. It is an oral tablet and  takes about 2-3 hours to effect, so may not be quick enough for storms. It can be given daily or in combination with other behavioral medications. There is a wide range of dosing. Work together with your veterinarian to find the right dose for your pet.
2. Gabapentin is the most commonly used situational anxiety medication for cats.
3. Sileo-This is an oral gel that absorbs into the gums. It is quick acting and can take effect within 30 minutes. It can be redosed during an event up to 5 times. It is most commonly used for thunderstorms or other sudden noises.

Many pets that have general anxiety and have multiple stimulus that triggers them throughout the day benefit from daily medication. It can take 4-8 weeks for medications to have full effect. Some medications doses need to be adjusted. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian when trying to find a medication or medication combination that will best manage your pet’s anxiety.

Most commonly used daily medications: Fluoxetine, Clomipramine, Amitriptyline, Alprazolam.

Other medication options: Gabapentin, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Clonidine, Doxepin

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By: Dani Gunder, Veterinary Technician at ZimmVet

Our weather patterns have been changing along with our pet population and where they are coming from. Together both have contributed to the migration and. Introduction of new ticks to be aware of in Minnesota; the gulf and American dog tick.

We already know dogs are at risk for many widespread tick bourne diseases so we annually check for 3 (Lyme, ehrlichia, anaplasmosis) but there are diseases, new to our area, to be aware of from ticks that are normally native to southern or western states and seen in much lower incidence here. Now that is all changing.

These ticks have the potential to spread diseases in Mn such as: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis. The ticks and their younger, nymph phase are so small it can be very easy to miss one biting and being attached to your canine pal. It takes only about 5hrs for a tick to be attached long enough to spread disease. The diseases can have drastic neurological impact, along with changing their appetite, and causing pain. At the worst and if left untreated symptoms can be fatal.

Because of these and all the other chances of disease ticks can share with our canine friends we at ZimmVet recommend year round flea/tick and heartworm prevention in all dogs in MN for best protection.

By: Kristin Rinkel, CVT at ZimmVet

Hookworms and roundworms can be harbored by your dog or cat and transmitted to children who are living in homes with pets.  In some cases, these parasites can cause blindness in humans.  It is thought that 30 – 50 percent of dogs and cats carry gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and that 1 to 3 million people in the U.S. have infections from the same parasites carried by pets.  Children, the elderly and immunocompromised people are at high risk.

Know the facts:  Don’t expose your children!

• Dogs get infected with hookworms and roundworms by walking places where other dogs have defecated.  The microscopic roundworm eggs and hookworm larvae end up on your dog’s feet.  Your dog then licks his feet and infects him or herself with these GI parasites.  Three weeks later, your dog is shedding hookworm eggs and larvae from his GI tract.  If your dog licks his anus and then licks your child, or if your child pets your dog, he or she can become infected with these parasites.
• Dogs can get ticks that spread Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia, which can affect people if the ticks detach from the dog and attach themselves to your child.  This could be a risk factor for your children if the family dog or cat sleeps in their bed.
• Cats get infected with hookworms and tapeworms by hunting prey.  Even if your cat lives indoors, the ingestion of one house mouse can expose your cat to GI parasites.  Cats with a flea infestation can spread cat scratch fever to children, elderly people, or immunocompromised (AIDS, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients) people.

How Can You Prevent The Risk Of Spreading Parasites To Your Children?

• Keep your dog on monthly heartworm preventative all year.  This medication helps to prevent hookworms and roundworms in your dog.  Keep your dog on topical flea and tick control all year.
• Scoop the yard where your dog defecates at least weekly, ideally daily, as worm eggs and larvae are found in stool and can contaminate the environment.
• Bring your pet’s stool sample to your veterinarian at least twice per year and ideally four times per year.  You do not have to bring your pet into the veterinary hospital for this service.  The stool should be fresh.  Many veterinarians will provide a special cup that allows specimen collection without touching the stool.
• Keep your cat on heartworm prevention once per month all year.  This medication eliminates hookworms that could be potentially spread to humans in the household.  It also kills fleas, which can be culprits in spreading cat scratch disease (cat scratch fever).
• Teach your children to wash their hands before eating, especially if they have recently handled their pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Canine Preventative Product Overview

Veterinary medical technology continues to take leaps and bounds to provide safe and effective products for pets. There are two main categories of preventative products to help keep your pet parasite-free and healthy, which include flea and tick as well as heartworm.  Consulting with your veterinarian is the first step to making sure you are picking the right preventative product for your pet.  

Flea & Tick Prevention

Flea and tick control for your pet is critical in Minnesota because of our high rate of tick-borne diseases such and lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Not only can these diseases cause severe joint pain, but they can also cause irreversible damage to the kidneys and severe bleeding problems. Fleas can cause severe itching, which can also lead to other parasite and blood problems. Once in your house, it can take up to three months to get rid of fleas.

Oral:  Flea and tick products administered orally have been available for years and have proven to be very effective and safe. These products range from one-month products to three-month products such as Bravecto. These products also have the advantage of killing skin mites.

Topicals:  There are many topical products on the market and range from older harsh chemicals with lower effectiveness to safer more effective products. Generic products, such as many of the products available at big box and pet stores, are not as effect as the name brand products available from your veterinarian. One safe and effective product on the market for years is Frontline. There are now various versions such as Frontline Plus with faster kill rates and other benefits. Frontline works by spreading on the oils on the skin and does not go into the body. Frontline is waterproof.

Collars: Flea and tick collars have been a low-cost option on the market a long time. With this product, it is important to follow the label directions on how tight the collar is to make sure it is working. Collars are typically not waterproof. This means if your pet has a bath or swims they may not be protected for days after. Depending on the ingredients some can be irritating, and they can cause local skin reactions. Dog collars containing permethrin are toxic to cats. A newer collar that is safer is the Seresto collar. At ZimmVet, we do not recommend collars as a first line product.

Heartworm Prevention and Dewormers

Monthly heartworm prevention has been the mainstay of preventing this severe disease. These products also come with the benefit of deworming for common intestinal parasites, which are a year-round problem. All heartworm preventative products are prescription items and can only be purchased with a prescription from your veterinarian. If you are buying a product without a prescription, it is likely counterfeit or not a heartworm prevention medication. Oral products are very safe and have been on the market for a long time. Common products are Interceptor and Heartgard. These are given monthly.

Combination Products for Flea, Tick and Heartworm

Combination products are now available to prevent heartworm as well as flea and tick protection in one convenient monthly dosing.  Just like with most heartworm medications, these products are also a general dewormer.

Oral: Simparica Trio is an example of an all-in-one monthly oral chewable product. This provides great convenience for owners to only have to give one product. This product is a cost savings for bigger breeds as it goes up to 132 lbs. without having to buy additional size categories. This product has been gaining in popularity since gaining FDA approval in 2020. It has combined product technologies which have already been on the market for years.

Topical: Revolution is an example of an all-in-one monthly topical product. Revolution only has a label for killing the dog tick, while other common flea and tick products have labeling for 4-5 different tick types.

Fleas, ticks and heartworm disease are all very preventable pet illnesses with several options on the market to provide you with the best options for you and your pet.   Your veterinarian will recommend the best products for your pet and have cost saving coupons and manufacture rebates not available elsewhere.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Canine Vaccine Overview

Vaccines are an important part of keeping our furry friends healthy. In some cases, vaccines can even prevent people from contracting diseases from their pet. Pet owners should rely on their veterinary team to tell them what is best to protect your pet.  Here is overview of some of the most common vaccines.

Core Vaccination – All dogs should receive these vaccines.

Rabies is a virus and is transmitted in saliva through a bite or cut. Dogs commonly contract rabies from wildlife such as bats, raccoons and fox. Rabies is deadly to the pet once contracted and can be spread to people. About 500 pets each year contract rabies in the United States. This rate is low due to vaccination. Worldwide about 59,000 people die from rabies every year. Rabies vaccination is given once as a puppy and every three years as an adult. Rabies vaccination is required by law. Read more about rabies at: https://www.avma.org/resources/public-health/rabies-and-your-pet

Distemper vaccination is a combination vaccination consisting of distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. These diseases can cause severe illness and death. These diseases are contracted by contacting another dog or wild animal (fox, coyote) with the disease. This vaccination is given as a series to puppies usually at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. It is given every three years to adult dogs. Read more about distemper virus at: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper.

Risk-Based Vaccinations – Given to dogs, based on their lifestyle.

All risk-based vaccinations are an initial vaccine, followed by a booster vaccination 3-4 weeks later. They are given yearly once the initial booster series is completed.

Vaccinations for respiratory diseases are given when a dog will be around other dogs outside your household. Common scenarios are dogs that go to a pet groomer, training class, dog daycare, boarding facility, dog parks, visiting friends’ dogs, or are active around other dogs in your neighborhood. If you have one dog that is at higher risk, all the dogs in your household should receive respiratory vaccinations. The two vaccinations are bordetella and influenza. These are very contagious diseases spread in respiratory secretions and can cause serious illness. It is important to do both vaccinations to get the best coverage for the common respiratory diseases for your pet. Read more about canine flu on the AVMA and CDC websites along with: https://www.dogflu.com/

Certain vaccinations are given to protect your pet if they have an outdoor lifestyle. The Zimmerman area has a very high rate of lyme disease and leptospirosis because of great outdoor natural resources. Both diseases can cause serious symptoms, including kidney failure and death.  Dogs contract lyme disease from ticks. Using tick prevention products is not enough to protect your pet against lyme disease. 

Leptospirosis is shed in the urine of animals, especially wild animals, but also other dogs. Common areas of risk are any areas where wildlife frequent. Leptospirosis is also common in city areas with rats being the main culprit. In the past, leptospirosis was thought to only be spread through water, but this has been proven to no longer be the case. Leptospirosis vaccination is also very important because this disease can be spread to people.

Vaccine technology is safe for pets

Some people may be concerned about vaccination reactions. The good news is that vaccines have gotten safer and cause a very low rate of side effects. The most common side effect of vaccinations, like people, is injection site soreness. This is prevented by having your veterinarian prescribe pain medication the day of vaccination and the day after.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By: Mysi Szczech, ZimmVet Assistant

There are many options that are safe for your pets as well so you can all live happily!  Safe plants not only provide an aesthetic appeal to your home but they also have benefits such as regulating humidity levels in the home and minimize dust content.

Common houseplants that are TOXIC to pets are lilies, aloe vera, ivy, jade, dumb cane (dieffenbachia), elephant ear, pothos (devils ivy), ZZ plant, asparagus fern, cyclamen, azaleas, tulips, kalachoe, hyacinth, sago palm, etc.

Common houseplants that are SAFE to be around pets are baby tears, spider plant (cats love this plant!), calathea, fern, Christmas cactus (or any cactus, little pokey but safe), haworthia, friendship plant, parlor palm, burro’s tail, etc.

If you suspect that you pet has been in contact with a toxic plant they may have oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing.  You should also contact your local veterinarian or call the ASPC animal poison control at (888) 426-4435.

Always remember to look up information on a plant if you plan on adding it to your home to know how to care for it and where to keep it to keep our fur babies safe! 

By Dr. Maria Krenz Owner and Veterinarian at ZimmVet

What is Pet Insurance and How does it Work?

Pet insurance is becoming commonplace.  The purchase of pet insurance has been growing about 20% each year.  2021 has been a record year for pet insurance enrollment. Having pet insurance allows pet owners to provide the needed care for their furry friends, especially during times of unexpected illness or accidents. There are 20 major pet insurance companies in the United States. In this article, we will discuss the difference between insurance plans and items to be aware of.

Reimbursement plans

All pet insurance companies either use a percentage of the invoice or a benefit schedule to calculate reimbursement.

With pet insurance, the pet owner pays the veterinary clinic at the time of service. The pet owner then submits receipts and needed paperwork to the pet insurance company. The pet owner then is reimbursed from the insurance company.

1. Percentage of the Invoice: The insurance company covers a percentage of the total bill. This is usually after a deductible is met. Some companies have a set percentage while others let you pick from a couple percentages (70%, 80%, 90%) based on your budget.

Example: You met your deductible, and your plan reimburses 80% for illnesses. Your pet has an ear infection, and your total bill is $250. You are reimbursed $200 from the insurance company.

Pets Best petsbest.com is an example of an insurance company that is a percentage of the invoice.

• Benefit Schedule: Reimbursement is capped at a set amount for each condition per year.

Example: Your pet has an ear infection, and your total bill is $250. Your insurance company allows up to $400 per year for skin/ear infections. You would get $250 reimbursed. If your pet has another ear infection that year you would be reimbursed $150 since the maximum per year is $400 total.

Nationwide petinsurance.com is a common insurance with a benefit schedule

Types of Coverage

There are different coverage options and different insurance companies have different terminology. It is important to read the details of what they include. Here are some common examples:

1. Accident: This is usually a low-cost option that covers unforeseen accidents such as broken legs and trauma.
2. Illness: This covers sickness such as ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections. It may not cover hereditary conditions or joint conditions such as hip dysplasia or a torn cruciate.
3. Wellness: This covers wellness items such as exams, routine lab tests, vaccinations, heartworm, routine surgeries, and dental cleanings as well as flea and tick medication. It is usually something you can add on to a medical plan.
4. Whole Pet: Many companies have combination plans that cover both Accident & Illness and may have options to cover hereditary or joint conditions. Often high-expense care such as cancer care may also be an added cost.

Items to be aware of

It is always best to get pet insurance as soon as possible, ideally as a puppy. Insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. There may be a waiting period where conditions are not yet covered. An example of a condition that commonly has a waiting period of 6-12 months is a torn cruciate ligament. Some insurance companies will not cover a pet over a certain age, but others will cover any age pet. Some insurance companies have a deductible, in some cases you can choose the deductible amount based on your budget (example $500, $1000). It is very important that you read all the stipulations, so you are clear what is and what is not covered in your plan, deductibles, and reimbursement schedules.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Ashley Middendorf CVT at ZimmVet

Presurgical exam: Each pet will come in for a presurgical exam prior to the day of surgery. This will allow the doctor to evaluate your pet as well as update any necessary lab work and vaccines that your pet needs.

Schedule the surgery: The actual surgical appointment can be schedule over the phone or in person. Wait times vary depending on the procedure but the sooner you schedule the better.

Consent form: The surgery consent form will be sent to you via email and be completed prior to the surgery day.

Night before surgery day: No food after 10pm, but water is ok up until your pet is at the clinic

Morning of surgery: You’ll be dropping off your pet with the surgery technician at a scheduled time usually between 7:30 am and 8:30 am.

Surgery will be completed for your pet.

After Surgery: You will be notified of you pets completion of surgery and how he or she is recovering.

Discharge time: You will be scheduled a discharge time to pick up your pet and go over discharge instructions/medications with a certified veterinary technician.

Recheck: Depending on what surgery your pet had you may need to bring he or she back for a recheck with the surgery doctor in a certain time frame.

By Keri Hesse CVT ZimmVet

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that is found in stagnant, slow moving water but can be found in the soil near or around where there had been stagnant water. The common carriers of Leptospirosis is wildlife which is the most common route of exposure to our pets. This disease is also zoonotic; meaning that our pets can transmit it to us.

How does our beloved pets become infected?

The bacteria is penetrated through the skin through a cut/abrasion from the contaminated water or the contaminated urine of wildlife, reproductive organs exposed to the bacteria, even the consumption of infected tissues can be the cause of Leptospirosis.

What happens if my pet gets Leptospirosis?

Once exposed to Leptospirosis, the bacteria is spread through the bloodstreams causing inflammation of the vessels, fever, abnormal bleeding, and bruising of tissues. By the time symptoms have started showing, Leptospirosis has set up in the kidneys, causing inflammation of the kidneys and can disrupt urine production, ultimately leading to kidney failure. Some strains of Leptospirosis can cause inflammation of the liver and ultimately causing liver damage or failure. 

Is there treatment for leptospirosis?

If caught readily, Leptospirosis can be treated with hospitalization, IV and oral antibiotics, and IV fluids to help flush the bloodstream and kidneys of Leptospirosis.  During this time, it is crucial to protect ourselves from the contaminated urine to prevent infecting ourselves.

Can I prevent my pets from getting Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis can be prevented ultimately with a vaccine.The first vaccine is given and then boosters in 3-4 weeks and lasting a year. So, it is important to make sure your pet is vaccinated yearly for this bacteria.

Most common thought is that our dogs that are either hunting, camping or around our lakes are the most exposed pets. But, with the amount of wildlife that come into our backyards any dog could be exposed to these serious bacteria. This can all be prevented with a yearly vaccine, please vaccinate your dogs. If you have questions, reach out to one of our staff members for more information.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet

Multiple factors lead to pet weight gain. Heavy pets have more problems with arthritis, and they are at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease and many other ailments. Preventing weight gain and obesity in your pet can add years to their lifespan, creating more time to spend with your special friend.

Measure your Pet’s Food

Pet owners need to take control of their pet’s calorie intake.  Most pets, if left to eat as they wish, will overeat and become obese, even as early as 6 months of age.  The pet food bag gives a guideline of how much to feed your pet. The key is to measure the food for the weight your pet should be, or its ideal weight.  Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal body weight and calculate the appropriate calories for your pet.

Separate Feeding

Feeding can be difficult in multi-pet households. Each pet should be separated during feeding to make sure they are eating the correct amount and type of food for their size. Pets should be fed the correct food based on their life stage: Puppy/Kitten, Adult or Senior. Dogs over 50 lbs should be fed a large breed dog food. Pet food needs to include a grain. There are many tools available to help with multi-pet feeding. Having separate kennels for each pet to eat in can work. A newer product on the market Sure Pet Feeder (surepetcare.com) is linked to a microchip or  tag and only opens for the pet linked to the feeder.

Treats

Many pet owners are feeding the correct amount of pet food, but their pet is getting too many calories from other sources. It is common, especially with small dogs, for owners to be giving 2-times or more of their daily calorie needs in treats. People food, dog treats, rawhide bones, dental bones or anything a pet ingests, counts toward their daily calorie allowance. Your veterinarian can help you calculate how many calories per day in treats your pet can have, which is normally no more than 10% of their daily calories. For small dogs this can be as little as 10-20 Calories per day, larger dogs may be able to get 100-200 Calories per day in treats.

Inactivity

Keeping your pet active is an important part of managing your pet’s weight. Older pets that are having joint pain can struggle with activity. Getting an older pet on appropriate pain management can help to get them more mobile again. Winters can also face a challenge to stay active. If your pet doesn’t like spending time outdoor in the cold consider a daycare facility that has indoor play space like ZimmVet.

Other Tools

Your veterinarian can help you formulate a weight management or loss plan for your individual pet.  Other treatments may include blood testing for diseases such as hypothyroidism and prescription weight loss diets.  Adjusting the food intake of your pet can be a challenge if you have multiple pets.  However, your veterinarian can help you work through problems to create a solution for a healthy weight for your pet.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.