ANITA'S ANIMAL CORNER
Know Your Dog
By Jean Sutherland

     Can you pinch more than an inch around your dog? Pets benefit from many of the same things that help us live a longer life: exercise, a healthy diet, and quality time with loved ones. Many illnesses and injuries can be avoided if pet owners are aware of basic health changes in their pets and react to them quickly.
     A monthly five-point at-home pet health check is something we need to do on a regular basis. The check will help owners become familiar with the way their dog’s eyes, ears, teeth and gums and skin normally look and feel, and help them to spot problems sooner. Begin by placing your dog on a solid surface, such as the floor or a sturdy table. During the check-up, speak in a low-pitched, reassuring tone of voice.
     Weight check: Stand above your dog and look for a slight “waist” behind the ribs. Place both hands flat on the sides of your pet’s chest and slowly slide them forward and backward. You should be able to feel ribs, but not any great dips and valleys between them. If you find a little extra padding, increase your pet’s daily activity and be sure you are feeding the proper amounts of pet food. Check the feeding guidelines on the label and use a measuring cup to help you to correctly control the portion size.
     Avoid table scraps, a bad choice for pets of any size. Choose nutritionally balanced pet food that is appropriate for your pet’s life stage. Look for ingredients like antioxidants, omega fatty acids and protein. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidants that are so beneficial to people can also protect healthy cells in dogs, helping to reduce the likelihood of sickness later on. Omega fatty acids are important for healthy skin, and proteins help to build strong muscles.
     Many people prefer a dry pet food for convenience, but are worried their pets may not enjoy it as well as canned. One innovative product, combines the best of both worlds with a nutritious kibble that has a crispy outer shell and a soft tasty center.
     Coat and skin: Your pet’s coat should feel smooth from head to tail. Stroke your pet’s body several times from head to tail on the top and sides of the trunk and the legs. Part the fur near the head and along the spine to check for flakes, scales or cuts. Check for signs of fleas — black flakes or specks — at the base of the tail and on the rump or stomach. A dull or matted coat may indicate that your pet might not be receiving all necessary nutrients or may have a disease. Both are reasons to consult a veterinarian.
     Ear check: Ears should be clean, pink and free of debris and strong odors. Check for wax, especially dark wax, which may indicate the presence of ear mites or infection.
     Eye check: Gently pull down the lower eyelid to check for a pink color. The whites of the eye should be glossy white with no redness. Watch for colored discharge, which can be a sign of infection.
     Mouth check: Lift your dog’s lips away from his gums and press a finger firmly over an upper tooth. When taken away, the white color of the finger imprint on the gum should return to pink. Watch for plaque and tartar build-up, which is yellow to dark brown, and can lead to periodontal disease. Regular veterinary dental cleaning along with specially designed pet chew snacks can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
Monthly at-home checks combined with regular veterinary care will help to keep your pet happy and healthy for many years to come.
     Our snow birds are now gone and with them our donations drop until they return. We very much need the services of someone who can organize a fund raiser. If you would like to help, please email me at mexico4us@yahoo.com