Ask the Vet About Nail Care + Posture

by Dr. Julie Buzby, DVM

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courtesy ToeGrips.com
Nail Care the Right Way

During 2014, I’ve been contributing posts in a series titled, “Ten Tips for Fido’s Longest Life.”  To date, we’ve covered topics such as weight management, dental care, nutrition, and vaccinations—all mainstream concepts.

This month we veer off into unconventional territory in the discussion of canine longevity: dog nail care. 

“How can my dog’s toenails affect his life?” you ask with a healthy dose of skepticism. 

This blog post will answer that question and hopefully convince you that frequent, appropriate nail trims are one of the best gifts you can give your dog!

As a general rule, our domestic dogs’ toenails are entirely too long.  In their natural environment, dogs run, dig and climb.  These activities wear down the nails and keep them short.  In contrast, our canine companions live on fancy hard flooring, lounge around on the furniture, and get brief leash walks for exercise.  This lifestyle sets up for obesity, behavioral problems, and long toenails.

Long nails are not merely a cosmetic concern.  In truth, long toenails change the way a dog’s toes interface with the ground—impacting gait and posture.  Dogs’ toes contain an abundance of proprioceptive receptors.  These receptors feed information to the central nervous system about the body’s spatial position with respect to the ground and gravity.  Long nails cause skewed input to be sent to the brain.  The brain makes adjustments accordingly.  The result is a dog who stands with chronic bad posture.

More specifically, a dog with long toenails won’t stand with his legs perpendicular to the ground.  Rather, he will compensate by adopting the “goat on a rock” stance, where his front legs are “behind” perpendicular and the hind limbs must shift forward under him to prevent him from tipping forward.  A lifetime of standing in this position causes chronic stress on the system and predisposes to injury.

On top of that, this dog will move with an altered gait.  Walking with long toenails can be likened to walking in oversized clown shoes.  When presented with a new patient, after taking the history, I generally begin with an effective (and pain-free) toenail trim because it will instantly change the dog’s gait and stance.  Then, when I gait the dog to evaluate for lameness and body mechanics, I can focus on deeper issues, not compensatory problems from long toenails. 

The moral of this post is that nail care is drastically undervalued.  It’s a surprising confession, but I’ve concluded that a simple pedicure is one of the most valuable changes I make for my patients, and a nail trimming tutorial is one of the most valuable gifts I give my clients.  A ten-minute, short-nail makeover is the fastest, least expensive way I know to help a dog stand and walk better instantly.

Just like humans, there is individual variation on how fast nails grow, but most grow fairly quickly.  I trim my own dog’s nails every 1-2 weeks, and recommend a maximum interval of 4 weeks for my patients.

Need some tips? Here's a video created by Dr. Julie to educate dog owners about proper nail care:

Dr. Julie Buzby is a homeschooling mom of seven, American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and International Veterinary Acupuncture Society certified holistic veterinarian, and passionate advocate for canine mobility.In her free time she serves on the Advisory Board for The Grey Muzzle Organization. She can be found at Twitter @DrBuzby and on Facebook.com/ToeGrips. You'll also find more of Dr. Julie's posts at our Ask the Vet Archives page.

Here are a few of her articles that may be of interest:

• Ask the Vet About Giardia
• 10 Tips for Fido's Longest Life
• Leaner Pets Live Longer
• Finicky Eaters
• Our Vet's Best Advice on Nutrition

Dr. Julie's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.

Dr. Julie Addresses Pet Chiropractic Care

by Dr. Julie Buzby, DVM

Time for an Adjustment for Fido? Read on...

Prior to beginning my training for certification through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) in 1998, my only experience with chiropractic was from a distance.  For many summers, I’d worked as an assistant for a veterinarian who treated equine athletes.  I heard countless stories of horses performing and feeling better after their adjustments.  Often I’d hold the end of the lead rope while my boss did his work, watching his patients’ reaction to treatments—lowering their head, licking and chewing.  I vowed that as soon as I finished veterinary school and was eligible, I would add chiropractic training to my “toolbox” to treat my patients.

I kept my promise, but less than halfway through the course, I had become discouraged.  Chiropractic was so foreign to what we’d learned in vet school, I was seriously contemplating giving up.  Savannah, a young paralyzed rabbit, changed the course of my career.  She had kicked out her hind legs during a procedure at the veterinary clinic where I worked and had been instantly paralyzed in the hind end.  We’d treated her medically for several weeks with little improvement.  After finishing a pertinent training module, I asked her owner to bring Savannah in for me to palpate her spine.  Immediately after I adjusted her back, we set her down on the floor and she hopped away.  Needless to say, I didn’t quit my training! 

While limited formal research is available on the efficacy of animal chiropractic, and

Dr. Julie at Work

there are plenty of naysayers, having practiced this modality for 16 years, I am positive that it can help dogs in ways that Western medicine cannot.  Don’t get me wrong—I still embrace my veterinary training and combine a traditional medical approach with alternative medicine in my practice, but Western medicine evolved for crisis intervention.  Chiropractic seeks to prevent “dis-ease” and restore balance, to avoid the crisis.

Because chiropractic impacts the nervous system, which affects every cell in the body, chiropractic has the potential to be helpful for a variety of musculoskeletal and internal maladies.  But I find chiropractic care most beneficial in the treatment of neck and back pain, certain lamenesses, injuries, and sudden behavioral changes that can be linked to pain.

Depending on conformation, age, and symptoms, I see patients at intervals that vary from weeks to months.  I strongly recommend finding an AVCA-certified doctor in your area if you wish to learn more about this type of care for your dog.

I included routine chiropractic adjustments in my list of ten ways to help your dog live his longest, healthiest life.  (Carrie—maybe link to article there?)  In order to achieve that goal, we must work in the realm of preventing dysfunction and not reacting to it.  Chiropractic adjustments free the nervous system of interference so the body can do what God created it to do—heal itself!

Dr. Julie Buzby is a homeschooling mom of seven, American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and International Veterinary Acupuncture Society certified holistic veterinarian, and passionate advocate for canine mobility.In her free time she serves on the Advisory Board for The Grey Muzzle Organization. She can be found at Twitter @DrBuzby and on Facebook.com/ToeGrips. You'll also find more of Dr. Julie's posts at our Ask the Vet Archives page.

Dr. Julie's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.

101 Essential Dog Tips

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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That sounds like a tough title to deliver on, right? No worries; I've got it covered! I'm reviewing a book that is a must read for anyone who is not mega experienced in caring for a dog.  Whether you're just getting your first pup, or have had dozens, there's still something to be learned in this exceptionally to-the-point, book about the basics. Wow; was there a lot I didn't know.

Reviewing the Table of Contents tells all. Each chapter has a title that is a dead giveaway for proactive content. I like that! I am one of those insanely prepared people. Yes, I was a Girl Scout. The bottom line is you'll learn how to prevent common dog issues and how to be prepared for emergencies with this book. Again, a must read!

I especially love that the author, Dr. Jason Nicholas, included a section on prevention of toxicities (I'm all about avoiding chemicals, in case you didn't already know that) and even tackled some of the simple, yet extremely important tips you'll wish you had read years ago. This is where his experience really shines. As I share a few of the highlights that may or may not be surprises to you, stay with me. At the end of this post, I'll share my top two picks for great new information.

Here are some of my favorite finds in this excellent guide for all dog owners:

• Household items that must always be kept out of reach or secured for your dog's safety: batteries, magnets, gifts, cat litter, trash cans, compost piles, fishing gear, dirty laundry, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, and an extremely obvious one--dirty diapers. 
• Prevent a number of potential traumas with these proactive activities: leave dogs inside while doing yard work, fence in your pool and drown-proof your dog (teach him how to get out!), pay attention to your dog at the dog park, steer clear of sticks as a toy or fetch item, place power cords securely behind furniture or other barriers, use reflective vests or lights when walking Fido at night, take care around dangerous objects that move without Fido's understanding (escalators, paper shredders, rockers and recliners, don't allow your pack to "work it out on their own"--prevention is key, don't allow heads outside the car window, check fitted items as your pup grows, and let a groomer remove mats from fur safely with trimmers.
• Prevent toxicities with these tips. Keep well out of reach: plastic bags of all kinds, purses, diaper bags, backpacks, medications, plant bulbs, gum, antifreeze, poisonous foods for dogs, home and garden pest poisons, houseplants, poisonous outdoor plants such as Sago palms, and local wildlife dangers. Supervise cooking and countertop foods carefully.
• Prevent diseases and illnesses and recognize the signs. Follow your Veterinarian's preventive care advice including grooming, ear and mouth care.  Watch for changes in your dog's habits and interests. Don't be that person who leaves a dog in a car on a warm day. Heat stroke kills.
• Prevent multiple problems with these tips: Fence your yard, provide a truly pet-safe area inside, keep your dog indoors when fireworks are anticipated, supervise young children and babies with your dog, prevent bolting, make time for walks, training and play, emphasize puppy socialization to reduce many behavioral issues down the road, secure your guests' rooms when they are away, and train seriously use leashes on all walks.
• Prevent emergencies: keep a pet first aid kit at home and in your car, keep pet E.R. and poison control numbers in your phone, consider health insurance to help manage healthcare costs, educate yourself on pet first aid, travel with a copy of your pet's vaccine record and most current rabies shot, and don't induce vomiting until you have talked to poison control or a veterinarian.

That was a mouthful, huh? Well, now it's time for the academy's choices on the top two tips. You probably know that I'm a staunch advocate of crate training. There are a million reasons that a crate could save your dog's life, not just as a puppy, but all the way to the end. Dr. Nicholas pointed out an excellent safety tip for crate use, as well as for dogs who live where decks are present. Read on...

Because of the small openings between deck boards and crate wiring, small openings can sometimes catch items and trap a dog. For this reason, your dog should not be left in these areas while wearing choke chains, pinch collars, or dangling ID tags. Consider ID tags that lie flat against your dog's collar for better safety and comfort.

And my second choice for an outstanding tip is #67: "Be aware of Salmon Poisoning Disease." I'll admit it. I have never hear of this. Dr. Nicholas indicates it is exclusive to the Pacific Northwest, so I'm vindicated being a Florida native. But I'm headed that way soon enough on a trip with dogs in tow, so that's a topic I plan to read up on now that I know it is potentially deadly. 

Join me? After you've read the details of some of my highlights above in a copy of 101 Essential Tips, let's all do our homework to assure our dogs don't turn up with any of these surprising problems. I've already Googled this disease and learned that this disease only strikes dogs. Other animals and humans are not susceptible. Check this out and pat yourself on the back for learning one more thing to help your dog stay healthy and happy.

The sad news about Salmon poisoning is that 90% of infected dogs that go untreated will die within about 14 days. This is just one of the amazing and life-saving tips you'll learn about in this terrific book. Please read it cover to cover. You and your dog will benefit greatly.

Dr. Jason Nicholas, BVetMed, is the founder of The PreventiveVet.com, a site where you can learn more to prevent, be aware and be prepared. You'll find lots of free downloads there, so visit and enjoy. You'll also find Jason on Twitter and Facebook. 

I was provided with a review copy of 101 Essential Tips by Dr. Jason Nicholas. He did not compensate me for the review and the opinions included herein are completely my own.

Doggie Dental Health for a Long Life

by Dr. Julie Buzby

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courtesy Photonquantique via Flickr.com
Brushing is Best

Though no scientific studies have been done to prove that appropriate dental care will extend your dog’s lifespan, I am convinced that it will. 

Dental disease is perhaps the most common malady seen in dogs today, especially small breed dogs.  This is not just about “dirty teeth”.  Dogs with periodontal disease suffer from infection and inflammation that can lead to tooth loss, gum disease, and significant pain.  Bad odor coming from a dog’s mouth is not normal.  The smell comes from bacteria and is my first clue that a dog has an unhealthy mouth.

Besides the effects on the gums and teeth, dental disease can cause problems in other body systems.  In people, there is a conclusive link between heart disease and periodontal disease.  Longstanding inflammation and infection in the mouth set up for bacteria being released into the bloodstream.  The kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart can all be damaged by this bacterial shower.

Many of my clients are surprised when I point out problems in their dog’s mouth on a routine physical exam.  A thorough oral exam is one of the most important parts of my examination.  Most dogs will develop some degree of periodontal disease during their lifetime depending on breed, age, genetics, and home care. 

Now for the good news: periodontal disease is preventable and treatable.  As for prevention, we can’t change your dog’s DNA, but home care is a vital part of keeping your dog’s mouth healthy.  I recommend daily teeth brushing, ideally beginning as a puppy.  It takes less than 12 hours for bacteria to attach to a tooth's surface. The bacteria then absorb calcium from saliva and become mineralized, forming tartar. This is why brushing is recommended daily, to continually break this cycle.  While any type of toothbrush is fine, do not use human toothpaste, as it may cause tummy upset and the fluoride can be toxic.

There is simply no substitute for brushing, because it mechanically breaks up the plaque, but there are other home care options when brushing simply is not possible. Ask your veterinarian to help you develop a custom dental home care plan for your dog. 

Based on what is discovered during your dog’s oral exam, your veterinarian may also recommend a professional dental procedure, which will involve cleaning the teeth, and possibly dental x-rays and extractions.  For many dogs, these therapeutic dental procedures are like a drink from the Fountain of Youth.  Clients are stunned by the dramatic positive changes in their dog’s attitude and vitality after pain and infection in the mouth have been resolved.

While it’s my opinion and observation that a healthy mouth will extend a dog’s quantity of life, it is a fact that a healthy mouth will enhance a dog’s quality of life.  That should be enough to make all of us take dental care more seriously!

Dr. Julie Buzby is a homeschooling mom of seven, American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and International Veterinary Acupuncture Society certified holistic veterinarian, and passionate advocate for canine mobility.In her free time she serves on the Advisory Board for The Grey Muzzle Organization. She can be found at Twitter @DrBuzby and on Facebook.com/ToeGrips. You'll also find more of Dr. Julie's posts at our Ask the Vet Archives page.

Here are a few of her articles that may be of interest:

• Tweaking Your Dog's Vaccinations
• Insight on Friendship Changes
• Our Vet's Best Advice on Nutrition
• Skin Rashes

Dr. Julie's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.

Evacuating with Your Pets

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy smiteme via Flickr.com
FEMA Rep Assists Evacuated Pet and Owner

With National Preparedness Month upon us, All Things Dog Blog has been busily preparing a Twitter Party for Dr. Emmo's pet first aid products, promoting preparedness for pet owners. As you may know, my family lives in the heart of Hurricane country, and we have had to prepare for evacuations on a few occasions. It's not fun, but it's very important that we get past that and realize that without a plan we could find our pets in grave danger.

I wish I had photos of our last trial run. In 2004 when 4 named storms hit central Florida, we were under serious encouragement to evacuate to the north during one particularly overbearing storm. Which one I don't recall! At that time we had 2 large dogs, a cat and a rabbit to evacuate along with us, not to mention a grandma! Clearly this was going to be a 2 vehicle effort.

I set up our dogs' crates and the 2 carriers for Patches and Robby, making sure that each had a door facing the exits of the car for easy retrieval. That left us with a good estimate of space for a cooler of food, pet supplies, and our suitcases. This was quite an adventure and really did get me to thinking about how dear my pets are to me and what would happen if we were separated. 

No way was I leaving them at home, even if I only believed we would be away a single day. What if my petsitter could not get to them. What if they were injured or missing? What if another tree struck the house, leaving an open exit? It just was not worth the risk.

Long story short we were spared when the storm veered away from us and we were able to tough it out at home with merely heavy wind and rain. Even so we were pummeled with large pine trees falling, hitting our home, and ripping up sidewalk along the way. It was not a time for our pets to be left alone.

Tuesday evening, along with the Event Barkers team, I'll be producing a Twitter Party to promote preparedness, in honor of National Preparedness Month. Our sponsor is Dr. Emmo's first aid solutions and we'll be joined by Arden Moore, a pet first aid expert who will be sharing tips and answering questions. I hope you'll join us to find out more about this important topic, and learn how you and your pets can continue to bond throughout a disaster brought on by Mother Nature.

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

Grooming a Bond with Fido

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com

Whenever I return from traveling I try to take some time to groom the dogs. It's a nice homecoming activity that draws us closer and helps them realize that I'm always going to be back to take care of them. Tanner, my outdoorsman, always needs to have his ears cleaned. He seems to find dirt, leaves, and debris of all sorts in his adventures at boarding, the dog park and even in our yard.

Last week when I arrived home from Barkworld, Tanner and Jacque had been spending time with hubby and my daughter while I was away. It was clear who ruled the roost--Jacque! Both boys needed a good brushing, a shampoo and a nice, soothing ear cleaning with Dr. Emmo's Ear Rinse. 

With the help of a friend, I've got photos to share of Tanner's experience. You can see that taking care of him is definitely an activity that both of us find pleasurable. More importantly, though, it's also good for his overall health to maintain all systems in clean, working order. 

The simple steps are outlined above. Just keep in mind that Fido will be infinitely more agreeable to the rinse when you approach his ears from behind, in order to swish the fluid inside--nice and cool. 

Bathing your dog helps you locate any ticks that may have decided your dog is a nice meal ticket, while keeping his ears clean reduces the possibility for infection, bacterial or fungal. Be sure to start with a visual check of each ear, looking for any boarders that may have latched on. 

If your dog has drainage or goopy eyes, allergies may be at work on your friend--your signal that he requires an eye wash as well. Watch for our eye wash examples coming soon. 

Meanwhile, have you RSVP'd for our #Pet1stAid Twitter Party? We'll be featuring the Dr. Emmo's line of products, sharing first aid tips and evacuation steps, and giving away some terrific prizes to make your evacuation kit more complete. Here's the pre-event lineup of giveaways:

• RSVP at the link above to win a prize package of Dr. Emmo's products, a pet toy (for
  
  woof or meow!), a food storage container and bowls for your evacuation kit, a reusable bandage, and a tip sheet from @ArdenKnowsPets.
• By PreTweeting our #Pet1stAid hashtag, you'll enter this giveaway for another package for the great goodies listed above.
• Finally, our Rafflecopter prize is always a popular giveaway. You'll have a number of options for entering, and can choose your own approach. Enjoy!

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping!