i Love Dogs (iLD) premium canine supplements has a great tool that lets me communicate with owners on a worldwide basis. This topic is personally relevant to me, as Cardiff has an immune mediated (i.e. autoimmune) disease. The article originally appeared as: What Diet Changes Will Help My Cocker Spaniel’s Autoimmune Disease?

Our just-turned 3-year-old Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. She had to have a 4-hour blood transfusion, is on scheduled medication and has a blood test weekly.

She is eating Purina Puppy Chow and chicken daily and taking a Pet-Tab, but we want to make some changes to help her heal.

I just ordered a free sample of the Green Tea Antioxidant Boost supplement. Any advice would be sincerely appreciated. Thank You!

– Carol

Hi Carol,

Thank you for your question.

I am pleased to hear that you are seeking to boost the immune system health of your young Cocker Spaniel. My own dog, Cardiff, developed immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) at the young age of 2 1/2 years, so I know how frustrating it can be to deal with such a condition, from the perspective of both care provider and pet parent.

Cardiff gets both immune system and antioxidant support by taking i Love Dogs Reishi with Green Tea tablets. During his episodes of IMHA, he developed warts (Canine Papilloma Virus, or CPV) due to his immunocompromised state. After a few weeks on the i Love Dogs supplement, the unsightly skin blemishes were completely gone. He has continued taking the supplement for general immune system support for more than three years.

From now on, you are always going to need to pay very close attention to your dog’s immune system function, as we want to support her immune system without stimulating it to potentially destroy normal tissue (red blood cells, in your dog’s case).

I would be very judicious when it comes to administering future vaccinations. Although vaccinations can help some dogs (and cats) have an improved immune system response to certain infectious agents, they can potentially be life-threatening to dogs with underlying immune system diseases. Work with yourveterinarian to create an appropriate vaccination strategy that is tailored to your dog’s needs (such as performing antibody titer blood tests as an alternative to giving an immunization; lifestyle modification, etc.).

Additionally, avoid unnecessary stress, such as extreme heat or cold environments, dog parks, kennel facilities, cargo-based airline travel, etc. Also, always walk your dog on a leash so you can prevent her from sticking her face somewhere she could potentially eat something she should not (i.e., dietary indiscretion), or get stung by a bee or bitten by a snake (both of which can induce a severe immune system response).

Regarding the food you are currently feeding your dog, please check out its extensive list of poor-quality ingredients and one-out-of-five-stars rating onDogFoodAdvisor.com. (Yuck!)

In general, I do not suggest that my patients eat dry food (kibble). Kibble is made through a process called extrusion, where ingredients are cooked at a temperature of at least 400 degrees. This high-temperature process denatures proteins and deactivates enzymes that are vital to the digestive process. This is one of the reasons why I prefer that my patients eat freshly prepared, moist foods. Additionally, many dogs (and cats) don’t adequately chew their food, eat too quickly and tend to swallow kibble whole.

In terms of Chinese medicine energy, your dog has a condition that is considered to be an excess of “hot” (i.e., Yang) energy, so I suggest she eats a “neutral” to “cooling” (i.e., Yin) diet that includes a combination of neutral and/or cooling protein and vegetable sources.

Here is a brief categorization of common food sources:

Proteins

• Cooling: Turkey, duck, rabbit, fish (salmon, tuna, etc.), yogurt, cottage cheese
• Neutral: Beef, pork, chicken eggs, beef liver, pork liver
• Warming: Chicken, lamb, venison

I prefer the cooling and neutral proteins as food sources for dogs.

Vegetables

• Cooling: Spinach, broccoli, mushroom, green peas, cucumber
• Neutral: Cauliflower, carrot
• Warming: Sweet potato, pumpkin

While I prefer the cooling and neutral proteins, sweet potato and pumpkin are acceptable in moderation, even though they’re warming.

Grains

• Cooling: Brown rice, barley, quinoa

By the way, grains are not necessarily bad; however, the fractionated grains and by-products found in most dry pet foods (like the corn gluten meal found in your dog’s Puppy Chow) are less-than-ideal grain sources.

Dry food is considered “hot” (adds heat to the body), so I recommend that my patients eat non-dry food. Moistening dry food is certainly better than feeding non-moistened dry food; however, I do recommend getting my patients off of dry foods completely.

My preferred whole food option (which I feed to Cardiff exclusively) is Lucky Dog Cuisine (LDC), which contains exclusively USA-sourced ingredients, including humanely raised turkey (cooling), grass-fed beef (neutral) or fresh catfish fillet (cooling), matched with whole grain carbohydrates and vegetables.

You could also switch her to a home-prepared diet. In doing so, I recommend creating a scientifically formulated and precise recipe to meet your dog’s dietary and metabolic needs by pursuing a UC Davis Nutritional Consultation. This is an undertaking that you must pursue with your veterinarian, as recent blood and urine test results are required. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks, and yields a diet and nutrition plan that is specifically tailored to your dog’s needs.

Good luck,

Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA

Ask a Vet is intended for informational purposes only. If your dog requires veterinary attention, you should take him to your vet or animal emergency clinic for an examination. Click here to find a veterinarian near you.

Have a question concerning your dog’s health? Send it to Ask a Vet.

PHOTO: JeremyMcWilliams

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

This article originally appeared on Dr. Mahaney’s The Daily Vet column on PetMD as Easter May Have ‘Passed-Over’ but Post Holiday Pet Dangers Remain

The Easter eggs have been found, basket contents were greedily consumed, children are bouncing off the walls from their candy-induced highs, and adults are feeling a sense of relief that spring’s first holiday is over. At least, this is my childhood recollection.

As an educator about all things veterinary, I strive to better inform my clients and readers to ensure that pets are not harmed in the festivities surrounding holidays like Easter and other seasonal holidays.

Flowers, Easter eggs, candy, non-digestible Easter basket contents, and other materials linger on our counters, coffee tables, and floors, and can create mild to severe sickness in our pets if consumed.

Toxic Plants

All plants harbor the potential to cause illness post-ingestion. The fibrous nature of plant material causes mechanical irritation to the digestive tract, which often manifests in gastrointestinal signs (vomit, diarrhea, or decreased appetite).

Plants belonging to the genus Lillium (Easter Lily, etc.) can cause lily poisoning in cats. All parts of the lily (flower, pollen, stems, leaves, and bulbs) can cause lethal kidney failure should your feline friend opt for a taste.

Always prioritize your pet’s safety by referencing the ASCPA’s list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (for cats, dogs, and horses) before bringing or accepting the gift of a holiday plant into your home.

Never leave a pet, especially a cat, unobserved in the presence of a seasonal plant. Their curiosity nearly always wins out over your prediction that an intriguing piece of greenery will go unscathed.

Additionally, prevent your pets’ access to your household flora by keeping them out of the plant-containing room (close doors, etc.) and elevating all plants to an inaccessible height.

Easter Egg Rolls and Hunts

Although egg rolls and hunts are great family fun, these activities could put your pet at risk for toxicity. Keep your pooch out of the action, as “Fido” may gorge on the eggs intended for eager children and develop gastrointestinal upset within only a few short hours.

After the hunt is over, make sure all eggs are accounted for. A rotting egg may harbor bacteria, mold, or other substances capable of causing toxicity if consumed.

Chocolate and Other Easter Basket Contents

Chocolate bunnies, eggs, and other confectionaries contain methylxanthines, including caffeine and theobromine, which harbor toxic potential for both our canine and feline companions. These stimulants are slowly metabolized by the liver and cause mild to severe toxicity pending the type and quantity of chocolate consumed in relation to the pet’s body weight.

Baking and dark chocolate are the most dangerous, as they contain the highest quantities of methylxanthine stimulants per volume. Semisweet and milk chocolate are less dangerous, but can still be quite toxic. Chocolate-flavored products and baked goods have the lowest concentrations of stimulants.

White chocolate has no potential for stimulant-based toxicity, as it lacks both caffeine and theobromine, but gastrointestinal signs, including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), can still appear if your pet consumes white chocolate or other seemingly innocuous Easter treats (jelly beans, marshmallow bunnies, etc.) due to the sugar, fat, alcohol, and other contents.

petMD has a Chocolate Toxicity Meter to help pet owners determine if their pet’s chocolate consumption merits veterinary evaluation and treatment. Even we veterinarians are susceptible to having our own pets suffer the effects of chocolate toxicity, as I discussed in my petMD Daily Vet article, Chocolate Toxicity Hits Home.

Besides candy, the Easter basket and plastic decorative hay can be ingested and cause mechanical irritation to the stomach and intestines. Gastrointestinal distress or a foreign body obstruction of the stomach or small intestines can occur if your pet binges on the basket or grass.

During Easter and all holiday festivities, make safety a priority by educating your family members, especially children, about the dangers posed to our canine and feline companions.

If you suspect or know your pet has consumed a toxic substance, immediately contact your veterinarian. Additionally, two great resources in managing pet toxicities are the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680).

Dr. Patrick Mahaney

Image: Jesse Kunerth / via Shutterstock

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

This article originally appeared on Dr. Mahaney’s Pet-Lebrity News column on Pet360.com as: Justin Bieber’s Monkey Kept From Entering Germany

If you are one of the most successful, popular, and young musics acts today, it may seem that you have the power to make personal choices irrespective to the legal constraints of the U.S. or international governing bodies.

More specifically, you’re Justin Bieber, your pet monkey’s been providing accompaniment on your Believe tour, and a private plane is transporting your pet and simian posse to Germany. Combine all these factors, add lack of proper documentation of a “pet” monkey, and you get “Bieber Monkeygate”.

Reportedly, German authorities stopped Bieber from bringing Mally, his Capuchin, which is a South American monkey having a cap of hair on its head lending the appearance of a monk’s hood into the country. This recent scandal has animal welfare organizations chomping at the proverbial bit and is heating up the realm of celebrity journalism.

Upon arriving at Franz Josef Strauss Airport in Munich, Germany, customs officials recognized that Bieber lacked appropriate documentation for Mally. Thomas Meister, a German customs spokesman stated,

“Justin Bieber brought his monkey to Germany, but had no official paperwork with him. We were forced to confiscate the animal.”

Such standards are in place to protect public health, as there are a variety of zoonotic diseases (those capable of transmitting between animals and humans, as described in my petMD Daily Vet article: Reduce the Potential for Zoonotic Disease Transmission) a seemingly innocuous monkey could potentially bring into a country that’s otherwise free from such illnesses.

According to E! Online, Mally is being quarantined until Bieber pays the €50,000 euro ($64,685) fine imposed after not having his monkey properly documented and the fees associated with Mally’s detainment.

Germany’s Animal Public has gotten involved and does not want Bieber to retain Mally as a companion animal on the basis that doing so is considered animal cruelty. According to Animal Public spokesperson Laura Zimprich, “Monkeys are not pets. Separating a capuchin monkey from his fellow monkeys and raising him at home is not right for this type of animal. The animal will develop serious behavioral disorders. Mally is only 14 weeks old. To separate him from his mom and to take him on tour as a living stuffed toy can only be characterized as animal cruelty.”

In general, transporting a pet from one country to another is always a process that should only be undertaken with the utmost of responsible planning and primary consideration for the animal welfare. There are plenty of circumstances where pets should not travel domestically or internationally with their owners (illness, injury, risk of exposure to stress or disease, etc.).

Pending where, when, and for what length of time the pet is going to be transported, the process of preparing a pet to fulfill the legal importation requirements of the chosen destination can either be relatively simple or an extremely complex process.

Companion animal exportation to Hawaii, (domestically) England and Australia (internationally) are notoriously challenging due to the strict requirements needed to maintain rabies-free status and to reduce the likelihood internal and external parasites are brought along for the ride.

I’m always flabbergasted by the gall of “that client” who intends on transport their pet to one of these places “tomorrow”, but has not yet undergone any of the extensive processes required for such travel (Rabies antibody titer, etc.).

In the case of Bieber, it seems as though he merely intended on landing his private plane in Germany and proceeding through customs with Mally in his arms (hopefully, while being appropriately restrained with some form of harness and leash).

In the United States, the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for the importation and exportation of dogs, cats, and certain other species. The “APHIS does not have animal health requirements for the importation of lions, tigers, bears, mink, rabbits, sugar gliders, foxes, monkeys, endangered species, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas, squirrels, mongoose, chimpmunks, ferrets, or other rodents provided they have not been inoculated with any pathogens for scientific purposes. If the latter is the case, they require animport permit (VS Form17-129) and can only be released to an approved laboratory”.  Evidently, “the CDC has responsibilities pertaining to the importation of primates” (including monkeys, like Mally).

I hope that “Bieber Monkeygate” works out best in respect to the welfare and most appropriate lifestyle of Mally. Seemingly, the most ideal situation would be for Mally to live in the companionship of others of his kind in a suitable and natural environment instead of jet-setting around the globe between private planes and hotel rooms.

This is going to be an ongoing story, so please stay tuned for updates by signing up for for email delivery of my Pet-Lebrity News (enter your email and press the “SUBSCRIBE” button on the middle-right of this webpage).

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

I try to be the best dog mom I can be, and through my words and actions I try to inspire others to help dogs.

But the people you are about to meet have inspired me in some way, from rescue warriors who are changing the way to raise funds to people forming careers built on a passion for dogs. These eight dynamos may not yet be mainstream names, but I’m convinced they will be. Take note, get inspired, and remember you read about them here first!

Life with dogs: Can it get any better? (photo courtesy Zoom Theory Photography)

1. Eldad and Audrey Hagar, rescue warriors

Audrey and Eldad Hagar have been fostering hundreds of animals in their home for the past eight years. They created Hope for Paws to help animals who suffer and die because of negligence and abuse. Eldad took it one step further, with a huge network of rescuers from all over the world on his Facebook page. Pamela Mitchell shared Eldad’s heroic actions with Dogster readers as well.

Eldad gets down in the trenches to rescue animals. From rescuing a blind dog abandoned and discarded in a pile of trash to helping a dog left to fend for himself in the desert, Eldad takes his work seriously.

Eldad has over 100,000 Facebook friends including these two pack members.

Eldad has a developed a finely orchestrated rescue operation involving the police, the fire department, and volunteers. Just another day in the life of a superhero. Nearly two million people have viewed this video by Eldad:

2. Bernie Berlin, foster hero

Silence isn’t the answer. Dogs in shelters need a voice, someone to speak for them. Enter Bernie Berlin, founder of A Place to Bark, a no-kill foster and adoption rescue dedicated to saving the lives of animals in Tennessee. Established in 2001, the foster works with a variety of animal control agencies, rescuing animals from high-kill shelters and fostering them until they are healthy. They are then placed for adoption through humane societies in various parts of the country.

Giving dogs a voice and saving lives is Bernie Berlin’s life mission.

“When I walk into animal control and see the faces of dogs that literally have an hour to live before euthanasia, I know if I give up many more will die,” Berlin says.

3. Patrick Mahaney, veterinary visionary

When Patrick Mahaney’s dog, Cardiff, was diagnosed with immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), he knew the illness was typically fatal, as the immune system would destroy the body’s red blood cells. Mahaney fought back by taking a more holistic approach to treating his pooch.

Combining a Western approach with Chinese herbs and other supplements, and with acupuncture and acupressure treatment, Mahaney has been able to manage Cardiff’s disease, along with those of other IMHA clients.

Dr. Patrick Mahaney keeps Cardiff in tip top shape despite his medical diagnosis.

He’s also a hands-on veterinarian who makes house calls, is very involved in rescue organizations in the Los Angeles area, and writes for Perez Hilton’s pet-centric websiteTeddyHilton.com. His approach to animal care should launch this visionary into stardom; his caring and concern for animals makes him a breed all of his own.

3. Shawna Schuh, canine networking wizard

Starting a career in the pet business isn’t easy. As the president of Women in the Pet Industry Network, Schuh focuses her efforts on helping women realize their fullest potential in the pet industry. Members include groomers, pet sitters, vets, artists, trainers, breeders, pet store operators, and product developers.

Shawna Schuh inspires women to be the best they can be in the pet industry.

“WIPIN members are part of the go-to network of experts in all parts of the pet industry,” Schuh says. “More women are entering the pet niche, traditionally filled by men. It’s an excellent fit, since 85 percent of pet parents are female.”

4. Anthony Rubio, dog designer

Anthony Rubio is a man with a mission, which is inspired by his love of fashion, art, and, of course, a dog. His dog Bandit served as muse for many of his canine fashions, and his unique creations have been featured on TMZ, Perez Hilton, Today, and more.

Bogie and Kimba pose with Anthony Rubio in their doggie designer finest.

Rubio also was commissioned by Pepsi in honor of the 2012 National Hispanic Heritage Month. He is an advocate for pet adoption as well as assisting in fundraising for various animal related charities. His dogs Bogie and Kimba grace the cover of photographer Paul Nathan’s recently released book, Couture Dogs of New York. As the first featured pet designer to present his works at Saks Fifth Avenue for the 2012 Christmas holiday season, Rubio continues to skyrocket.

The award-winning pet couturier is the official designer of the gown and tuxedo for my dog’s Wigglebutt Wedding, taking place in June as a fun fundraiser for Life’s Little Paws.

5. Joe and Robbin Everett, podcast pros

TPPC.tv started as a Web-based television show, website, and blog for pet and animal lovers, and it’s grown to include a weekly radio show, Pets Teach Us So Much (which is then available as a podcast). This labor of love was started by Joe and Robbin Everett and continues to gain popularity with their fans.

From fighting fires to heating up things on the radio, Joe Everett is on the rise to super stardom.

Making the transition to a pet-based career is something others undoubtedly wonder about. Though they admit the rough economy has been trying, Joe and Robbin say to do your research and never give up. “Reach out to your tribe and keep on swimming, like Nemo the fish would say,” Robbin says.

So what’s next for the couple and their dogs? They plan to travel the country to bring much-needed publicity to rescues and pet events, and their dream is to outfit an RV for mobile broadcasts.

6. Laura Nativo, fairy dogmother

As one of the stars of the CBS reality show Greatest American Dog, actress/producer Laura Nativo admits that dogs are her passion. And the Fairy Dog Mother is a regular on the Hallmark Channel.

If only ever dog had a Fairy Dog Mother as wonderful as Laura Nativo. (photo courtesy Zoom Theory Photography)

Her goal is to educate, entertain, and empower pet parents on a national level. Nativo founded the Pawtastics, a volunteer nonprofit organization made up of celebrity dogs, studio dogs, and exceptionally trained canines and people, who strive to take therapy dog work to a whole other level. One of the coolest things to happen to me so far this year was meeting Nativo at the Global Pet Expo.

Girls Just Wanna Love Dogs, me with Laura Nativo

7. Chloe DiVita, blogging maven

When a pet writer helps teach bloggers how to monetize their words, that person deserves a spotlight. The self-titled “Chief of Everything” of BlogPaws, a company founded in 2009 by three pet bloggers, Chloe DiVita focuses on helping bloggers and animals.

Posing with her rescue dogs, Twiggy and Onyx are proud of mom, Chloe DiVita.

DiVita originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but now she sits at the helm of BlogPaws, which launches its fifth social media conference for pet bloggers this month. She is dedicated to helping animals through the Be the Change for Pets movement. To date, BlogPaws has donated more than $45,000 in product and cash donations to animal rescues in need.

8. Bob Shaughnessy, online trailblazer

When Bob Shaughnessy searched online for pet fashion designers, he was unable to find anything. So he started a private Facebook group that evolved into PawVogue. PawVogue is the first pet fashion portal for pet fashion designers and people who love to dress their pets.

Like father, like son.

Shaughnessy’s five-year-old Havanese, Cuba, serves as the muse and model for many of the fashions. Shaughnessey and his pooch also volunteer and attend many of the New York City dog events and volunteer to walk the runway or help in whatever way they can. He has his own radio show on Pet Life Radio – and yours truly will be welcoming Cuba and his dad to the Wigglebutt Wedding in June!

Ever wish you could have a career dealing with dogs? Do you already have one? Let me know in the comments!

This article originally appeared on Dr. Mahaney’s The Daily Vet column on PetMD as Reducing Pet Overpopulation and Stopping the Dog Meat Trade in Thailand.

This is the third of a three part series of Daily Vet articles I’ve written about my recent trip to the Far East. In case you missed them, here are my first two articles:

Diagnosing and Treating Canine Dry Eye in a Third World Country 

Far East Veterinary Travels: Observing Canine Life in Hong Kong and Touring the SPCA.

The final leg of my trip brought me to Phuket, Thailand, where I visited four years prior. Like my stop in Hong Kong, this trip was not a vacation, but an opportunity to build relationships with international rescue organizations.

Before leaving the U.S., I contacted Soi Dog Foundation and scheduled a visit to their facility with the intention of partnering with them for my upcoming veterinary television show (about to be shopped to the networks by our production company’s agent). Having read much about Soi Dog’s amazing work, I was eager to see their facility and get a first-hand perspective on the life of Thai rescue dogs and cats.

First, you may be wondering about the name: Soi Dog. What does it mean? For non-Thai speakers, what may come to mind is coating a dog in soy, such as soy sauce. But no; soi means street, so Soi Dog is meant to mean “dog of the street.”

I met with Gregg Tully, a very pleasant American who now lives in Thailand and works at Soi Dog. He was very generous to give me a tour and participate in an interview, so I learned the following from our time spent together:

1. Soi Dog Foundation was started in 2003 by Margot Homburg Park and John and Gill Dalley. The Dalleys had come to Phuket to retire. The goal of the organization was to help control the populations of the seemingly growing number of dogs on the streets of Phuket.

1. The most common services provided by Soi Dog Foundation are spay and neuter procedures. As of Febuary 2013, 48,295 dogs and cats have been sterilized between Bangkok, Phuket and in other Thai. Tully said that “the stray dog problem (in Phuket) is solvable.” It sounds like Soi Dog is succeeding in solving the issue.

1. Soi Dog Foundation is the only foundation of its kind registered with the Thai government and is the fastest growing animal organization in Southeast Asia. It’s an international organization that registers as a charity in Australia, Holland, France, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

1. There are over 400 dogs and cats living at the Soi Dog Foundation shelter. Long term residents (both dogs and cats) are microchipped and vaccinated for rabies, DHPP (dogs), and FVRCP (cats). As a result of their efforts, Phuket is the only Thai province having been declared free from rabies.

1. Tick borne diseases (ehrhlichia, analpamsa, etc.) are the most common infectious diseases contracted by dogs living on the streets. Many are treated with antimicrobials for 30 days or longer once they are at the shelter. Some dogs carry the parasites and show no clinical signs of illness.

1. There is a need for medical supply donations to help promote the health of the Soi Dog Foundation animals, including topical antiparasitics (Frontline, Advantage, etc.). Guidelines are listed on the Donations of Veterinary Supply webpage.

1. To combat the illegal dog meat trade between Thailand and Vietnam, Soi Dog Foundation started the “Trade of Shame” campaign in August, 2011. In less than two years, the Trade of Shame campaign has led to the arrest of over 30 smugglers, whereas only two arrests had been made in the previous 15 years. So far, greater than 7,000 dogs have been rescued from the dog meat trade.

1. Eating dog is not a tradition entrenched in Thai culture. It’s a trade catering to restaurants and not commonly practiced among Thai people. Dogs are caught off the street or people’s pets are stolen, especially in the regions north of Bangkok. Graphic photos that illustrate the inhumane practices involved in the dog meat trade and the means that financial donations can be made are found on Soi Dog Foundation’s Trade of Shame webpage.

1. In June, 2013, Soi Dog Foundation will be meeting with government officials in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to educate those in power on the serious public health concerns involving the dog meat trade; that is, rabies. This virus enters through a few infected dogs brought from various regions of Thailand and can quickly spread and be fatal for other animals and humans.

1. International adoption is a unique service Soi Dog Foundation offers to interested pet lovers world-wide. The Flight Volunteer program matches people traveling from Thailand back to their own country with a pooch needing transport to their forever adoptive home.

I look forward to returning to Thailand and partnering in a capacity that can make a difference in the lives of the rescued dogs and cats: by offering my veterinary services (medicine, surgery, needle and laser acupuncture, etc.) and promoting awareness of their efforts at combating the dog meat trade through public education.

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Through i Love Dogs (iLD) premium canine supplements I get to communicate with owners on a worldwide basis to answer their pet health questions through the iLD Ask A Vet webpage. This post originally appeared as: How Do I Stop My Boxer’s Vomiting?

My Boxer has been puking since yesterday. I can’t afford to take her to the vet just yet, so I have tried Pepto-Bismol and am about to get her some Pedialyte to keep her hydrated. Do you know of any other home remedies I can try using common household items?

Do you have any ideas as to what might be causing the issue?

– Dave

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your question.

When a dog is vomiting, there are a variety of potential underlying causes, including:

• Inflammation due to a dietary indiscretion (i.e., eating something not meant for canine consumption), food intolerance, foreign body/obstruction, etc.
• Infection: bacteria, virus, parasite, fungal organisms, etc.
• Metabolic Disease: kidney or liver disease, pancreatitis, etc.
• Cancer: digestive tract or other masses or diffuse cancers, etc.
• Toxic Exposure: ingestion of human or veterinary drugs (prescription, over the counter or recreational), fertilizers, household cleaners, etc.

As there are so many potential causes of vomiting in dogs, there is really no way that I can best direct to you on how to treat your Boxer’s situation at home without having first performed a physical examination. Furthermore, veterinarians are legally required to examine a dog prior to prescribing a remedy for that dog’s specific illness.

With that said, when a dog is vomiting, it is always best to withhold food and water. If anything that can be consumed by mouth is kept from entering the mouth and at least four hours go by without further vomiting, then you can offer small amounts of water or ice cubes. If at least another four hours go by without further vomiting, then you can offer a small quantity (a few teaspoons to a few tablespoons) of her normal diet or a bland, easily digestible alternative (like de-fatted boiled chicken or beef and white rice).

Keep your Boxer in a cool, calm and comfortable indoor location to prevent further stress on her body and digestive tract. Being active or residing in an environment that is too warm could cause her to continue to lose water through her lungs and paw pads, which could ultimately lead to dehydration (especially if she is not keeping any liquids down).

Additionally, if she is left outside or otherwise unattended while she is experiencing digestive tract upset, she may be more motivated to eat things she should not in order to try to settle her stomach or induce further vomiting. Therefore, keep her under your close observation as much as reasonably possible during episodes of vomiting, diarrhea or decreased appetite.

If you are having issues with the cost of your dog’s veterinary care, then contact your veterinarian to see if they offer some form of payment plan or CareCredit so that at least a physical examination can be performed as soon as possible.

Good luck,

Dr. Mahaney, VMD, CVA

Ask a Vet is intended for informational purposes only. If your dog requires veterinary attention, you should take him to your vet or animal emergency clinic for an examination. Click here to find a veterinarian near you.

Have a question concerning your dog’s health? Send it to Ask a Vet.

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

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It has been great fun and an interesting challenge to be called upon by Jackson Galaxy to lend my veterinary perspective to the Animal Planet television show My Cat From Hell.

If you missed my appearance evaluating and treating season three’s Molly, you can now see me during her follow up report. Go to “Molly’s Follow-Up”: http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/my-cat-from-hell.

Here are photos of Molly popping her head out of the carrier and getting needle/laser acupuncture treatment when during her consultation with me at Veterinary Cancer Group.

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

Are you doing any spring cleaning?  If so, have you taken your pet’s health and safety into consideration before you start spraying, scrubbing, and rinsing?  Chemical agents used in cleaners can cause short and long term toxicity for our pets.

Learn more in this article for PetSafe: Go Green with Your Pet This Spring. (Click the hyperlinked article title to read it in full).

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

This article originally appeared on Dr. Mahaney’s Pet-Lebrity News column on Pet360.com as: Ashley Greene’s Fire Tragedy Sends Message of Fire Safety for People and Pets.

My condolences go out to actress Ashley Greene, as she lost both her home and one of her canine companions in a recent fire.

According to Perez Hilton, “The blaze began because an unattended, lighted candle ignited a nearby couch, causing a fire that quickly spread throughout the entire apartment. “Apparently the Twilight star was home asleep after a long night with her boyfriend (Ryan Phillipe) when the fire erupted. Sources say one pup, her Chihuahua, was rescued, but her other dog died at the scene. Apparently the saddened actress couldn’t part with her departed dog, so fireman wrapped it in a sheet and gave Ash the body.”

In seeing the report of this tragedy, I thought the building looked familiar and then recognized that it was actually right around the corner from me in West Hollywood, CA. Knowing that a fire happened so close to home forced me to recognize the need to spread the word of fire safety practices to protect ourselves and our pets.

When fire destroys natural and man-made materials, toxic chemicals are released into the air. Inhalation and contact with these toxins adversely affects the health of both people and pets. The fine, often invisible, debris that makes up this haze acts as an inflammatory trigger in to the eyes and respiratory tract (nose, trachea [windpipe], and lungs), leading to eye discharge, coughing, and sneezing.

Additionally, direct exposure to heat and smoke can lead to more serious health consequences, including death. Thermal burns can affect the skin, coat, eyes, mouth, trachea, and lungs. Damaged pulmonary (lung) tissue loses normal functional capacity, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). Lack of oxygen causes clinical signs of weakness and syncope (fainting).

Should your pet show such clinical signs after being exposed to smoke or fire, please immediately pursue an examination with your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital.

When people electively or are forced to evacuate their homes due to fire, companion animals can be harmed. My tips to ensure your pet isn’t placed in harm’s way include:

Prevent Your Pet’s Access to Fire

Lit candles, fireplaces, and other incendiary devices should never be left unattended. Additionally, prevent your pet’s access to any direct contact with flames.

Know Your Pet’s Location

In the urgency of a fire, sometimes a beloved pet’s location may be unknown. Cats and small dogs can hide in a closet, under a bed, or elsewhere in attempt to escape the stress and potential harm caused by smoke, heat, and airborne toxins. The presence of medium and large breed dogs is usually more obvious, but they may flee from a dangerous scene unbeknownst to their concerned owner.

Always strive to be consistently aware of your pet’s location in your home or yard. Stay on top of your pet’s habits, including their preference for locations to nap, nest, or hide. Knowing your pet’s “free time” habits can help ensure a canine or feline companion is found during emergencies.

Clearly Identify Your Pet

Should your pet run away, a safe return may more readily occur if up-to date identification is worn. I recommend a cervical (neck) collar displaying a tag or embroidering the collar with your pet’s name and at least your phone number.

Since collars can be removed or fall off, microchip implantation increases the likelihood you will be reunited with your pet. Keep your personal information up-to-date with the microchip manufacturer. Since microchip identification requires a scanner and collars can go missing, the use of both is ideal.

Alert Emergency Personnel of Your Pet’s Presence

To better alert firefighters and emergency personnel of your pet’s presence in your home, post a notification in a clearly viewed window. In 2009, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and ADT Security Services partnered to create window clings (seeadt.com/resi/programs/pets/ so pet owners can write information about their pet (dog, cat, other, date). I would like to see the clings include more details, including the pet’s species (dog, cat, etc), name, color, body weight, age, and any other relevant characteristics (friendly, on medications, etc).

I hope that Ashley Greene and her surviving pooch are on the road to physical and emotional recovery from their recent misfortune.

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.