Children & Pet Safety

Children and Pets: Safety Tips
By Dr Karen Burgess

 

Newborn

  • Place dog in crate and make it a positive experience. Place a bone or favorite chew toy in with the dog
  • Brush up on obedience skills- use lots of food as rewards
  • Have the dog become accustom to varied feeding and walking schedules (as times will be hectic with a newborn)
  • Place a blanket the baby was using with the dog and allow to investigate
  • Bring the baby around only while the dog is calm- otherwise crate the dog with that favorite chew toy or bone
  • Make sure all experiences the dog has around the baby are positive

Toddler

  • Do not allow toddler around the dog while eating or sleeping
  • Dog crate or dog bed is off limits
  • Reward the dog with treats for being calm around the toddler
  • Recognize warning signs and place the dog in his safe spot before he gets to the point of snapping or growling

School-Age Children

  • Have the children become involved in the daily pet chores
  • Children should learn to stand still if the family dog is too frisky or any dog scares them
  • Teach children to avoid strange dogs and strangers with dogs
  • Clicker training with children is both great for the children and the pets. Even a child as young as three can learn to help with clicker training.

Bite Prevention

  • Teach children how to protect themselves with an overexcited pet by:
    • Rolling into a ball
    • Protecting hands and face
    • Calling for help
    • DO NOT run and scream

dog body language

Coprophagia

Coprophagia
(Ingestion of fecal matter)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

What is coprophagia?
The ingestion of feces from any source is called coprophagia.  While not appealing to humans, coprophagia is not an abnormal behavior in dogs. Ingestion of feces can however allow for transmission of parasites and impact a pet’s relationship with their family for reasons of hygiene.

What causes coprophagia?
There are a variety of theories as to why dogs would eat fecal matter including boredom, normal den cleaning behavior, and nutrient imbalance.  In some cases, it may simply be tasty to a dog, as in the case of cat feces.  An examination by a veterinarian should be performed to rule out any medical causes.

What problems can coprophagia cause?
Exposure to parasite eggs or disease causing bacteria is the primary medical concern with coprophagia.  From a human standpoint the issue is more one of general hygiene or the “yuck” factor.

How can coprophagia be addressed?
To address coprophagia both the enticement of the fecal material and the behavior need to be addressed.  Remedies include attempts to make the stool less tasty and modifying the behavior.  Options include:

  •  Changing the diet to a lower protein diet, canned diet, or the addition of oil to the food change the taste of the fecal matter.
  • Giving more frequent smaller meals may also help if hunger is contributing to the behavior.
  • Adding pineapple juice, Adolph’s meat tenderizer, or canned spinach to the diet which all may make fecal matter less appealing.  For-bid and Potty Mouth are both over the counter products that can be added to food as another option.
  • Tabasco, PopRocks, wasabi powder, or other unappealing substances can be applied to fecal matter thus deterring ingestion.
  • Meticulous and immediate cleanup of fecal matter is recommended, but this may not address ingestion of other animals’ feces.
  • Keeping dogs on leash, rewarding appropriate behavior (coming to sit after defecating to allow appropriate time for cleanup) and ignoring inappropriate behavior (ingestion of feces) are also helpful.
  • Increasing exercise to alleviate boredom
  • Providing meals in a food ball to increase mental
  • Finally, for some pets wearing a basket muzzle to prevent coprophagia may be necessary.

Instructions for For-Bid
Recommended dosing-dogs less than 20# ¼ packet twice daily for 5 days, for greater than 20#  ½ packet twice daily.  Owners may want to moisten dry food before sprinkling with powder.  Steroids will negate the effect of For-Bid.

 

Prednisone

Prednisone, Prednisolone
Steroid
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Formulations

  • Generic, human medication
  • Tablets

What is prednisone used for?
Prednisone decreases inflammation and at high doses acts as an immunosuppressive drug.  Allergic and autoimmune diseases, swelling in the nervous system, shock and cancer therapies all commonly utilize prednisone in their treatment.

What is prednisone?
Prednisone is a classified as a glucocorticoid hormone or steroid and is known for its broad anti-inflammatory effects.  Steroid hormone is naturally produced in the body by the adrenal gland and is necessary in very small quantities for survival.  Anabolic steroids, commonly referenced in sports, are used to build up tissue (muscle) while catabolic steroids such as prednisone break down stored resources to create energy.  Prednisone is changed into prednisolone in the liver making the two drugs interchangeable.

How is prednisone given and what if a dose is missed?
Prednisone is typically given in a tapering dose schedule to prevent potentially life threatening side effects.  When a pet is given prednisone as a medication it suppresses the adrenal gland’s natural production.  For this reason it can be very dangerous to suddenly stop prednisone treatment without giving the body ample time to restart its own steroid production.  If a dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours late, go ahead and give missed dose.  If it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip a dose and resume regular schedule with next dose.  Give prednisone with food to help prevent stomach upset.

What side effects can be expected and what pets should not receive prednisone therapy?
Steroids as a class stimulate the desire to drink and production of urine.  It is not uncommon for pets on prednisone to have urinary accidents in particular at the beginning of therapy and plans should be made for extra trips to the bathroom or cleaning of the litterbox.  Increase in appetite, panting, and behavior changes (including aggression) are also common side effects.  Suppression of the immune system by steroids can put a pet at increased risk for infection.  With long term prednisone therapy changes in skin, haircoat, and body musculature (potbellied appearance) are often noted.  Pets with heart disease may get worse on steroids.  Diabetes may develop with steroid treatment and diabetic pets in general should not receive steroids.  Pregnant pets should not take steroids.

What drugs should not be given with prednisone?
NSAIDs as a class should never be given at the same time as steroids.  This can be life threatening.  There should be a “washout” period when changing from an NSAID to a steroid.  Discuss how long to wait between NSAID and steroid use with your veterinarian.

Are there any other concerns with prednisone?
Steroids can alter several commonly run blood laboratory tests.  Make sure your veterinarian is aware of steroid therapy when interpreting labwork.

Praziquantel (Drontal Plus)

Praziquantel
Antiparasitic
(Droncit, Drontal Plus, Sentinel Spectrum)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Brand name and formulations

  • Praziquantel (generic formula)
  • Droncit, Drontal Plus, Sentinel Spectrum (brand name animal formula)
  • Tablet, Flavor Tablet, Injectable

What is praziquantel?
Praziquantel is an antiparasitic known for its efficacy against the tapeworm class of parasites.  The drug damages the parasites skin leading to disintegration.  Worms are not commonly seen in the feces in response to treatment.

How is praziquantel given and what if a dose is missed?
Praziquantel is typically prescribed as a single dose medication.

How should praziquantel be stored?
Store at room temperature and protected from light.

What side effects are associated with praziquantel?
Gastrointestinal signs including appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea occur in approximately 5% of patients taking praziquantel.  The oral formulation may taste bitter to pets.

What drugs should not be given with praziquantel?
There are no specific drug interactions of major concern.

What follow up is necessary with praziquantel use?
Prevention of future re-exposure is recommended via flea and rodent control.  Follow up fecal examination is recommended a week after treatment is completed.

Pyrantel Pamoate (Strongid)

Pyrantel Pamoate
Antiparasitic
(Strongid, Nemex)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

   Brand name and formulations

  • Pyrantel pamoate (generic formula)
  • Strongid, Nemex, Virbantel (brand name animal formula)
  • Tablet, Liquid

What is pyrantel?
Pyrantel is an antiparasitic known for its efficacy against roundworms, hookworms, and stomach worm.  The drug paralyzes the parasite thereby causing it to release from a pet’s intestine and be passed naturally with fecal matter.

How is pyrantel given?
Pyrantel is typically prescribed as a single dose medication.

How should pyrantel be stored?
Store at room temperature and protected from light.

What side effects are associated with pyrantel?
Vomiting may occur after treatment with pyrantel.  Worms may be seen visually passing in stool or in vomitus.

What drugs should not be given with pyrantel?
There are no specific drug interactions of major concern.

What follow up is necessary with pyrantel use?
Pyrantel only treats adult worms leaving immature migrating worms behind.  Follow up dosing is recommended at two week intervals for a total of two to three doses.  Prevention of future re-exposure is recommended via monthly heartworm preventative administration.  Follow up fecal examination is recommended a week after treatment is completed.

 

Fenbendazole (Panacur)

Fenbendazole
Antiparasitic
(Panacur)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

Brand name and formulations

  • Fenbendazole (generic formula)
  • Panacur (brand name animal formula)
  • Powder, Liquid

What is Panacur?
Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic known for its efficacy against roundworms, hookworms, lungworm, flukes, Giardia, and tapeworm.

How is fenbendazole given?
Fenbendazole is typically prescribed daily for three to five consecutive days.

How should fenbendazole be stored?
Store at room temperature.

What side effects are associated with fenbendazole?
Vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation may be associated with the use of fenbendazole.

What drugs should not be given with fenbendazole?
There are no specific drug interactions of major concern.

What follow up is necessary with fenbendazole use?
Follow up dosing may be recommended.  Prevention of future re-exposure is recommended via monthly heartworm preventative administration.  Follow up fecal examination is recommended a week after treatment is completed.

 

Sulfadimethoxine (Albon)

Sulfadimethoxine
Anticoccidial, Antibiotic
(Albon)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Brand name and formulations

  • Albon (brand name)
  • Liquid

What is albon?
Albon is an antibiotic in the sulfonamide family and as a bacteriostatic agent inhibits bacterial replication.  Management of coccidial overgrowth, a common cause of diarrhea in young animals, is the primary use for albon in small animals.

How is albon given and what if a dose is missed?
Albon is typically prescribed for once daily dosing and for a total of ten days.  The first dose is twice the volume of the subsequent nine doses.   If a dose is missed give the missed dose and alter future dosing times accordingly.

How should albon be stored?
Store at room temperature and protected from light.

What is albon’s background?
The sulfonamide class of antibiotics was the first developed in 1932 and saved numerous lives during World War II.  When used in combination with other antibiotics the effects of sulfadimehoxine is improved.  As a sole agent, sulfadithoxine is exclusively used to treat coccidia.

What side effects are associated with albon?
The sulfonamide class of antibiotics including albon is not recommended in pets with severe kidney or liver disease.  Use should be avoided in Dobermans.  Rare side effects include joint pain, generalized inflammation, rashes, decreased tear production, and blood cell abnormalities.

What drugs should not be given with albon?
There are no specific drug interactions of major concern.

What follow up is necessary with albon use?
Medication should be used for a full ten day course.  Follow up fecal examination is recommended a week after treatment is completed.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Metronidazole
Antibiotic, Antiparasitic, Anti-inflammatory
(Flagyl)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Brand name and formulations

  • Metronidazole (generic)
  • Flagyl (brand name)
  • Tablets, Capsules, and Injectable

What is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole’s mechanism of action is not fully understood.  Common uses include the treatment of Giardia, a variety of anaerobic bacteria including Clostridia, and in the treatment of intestinal inflammation/diarrhea.  Metronidazole is also effective in the treatment of nervous system disease unlike many other antibiotics.

How is Metronidazole given and what if a dose is missed?
Metronidazole is typically prescribed for twice daily dosing.  If a dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours late, go ahead and give missed dose.  If it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip a dose and resume regular schedule with next dose.  Metronidazole have a bitter somewhat unpleasant taste and may be easier to administer in capsule form.

How should Metronidazole be stored?
Store at room temperature and protected from light.

What side effects are associated with Metronidazole?
Metronidazole may cause nausea and vomiting in some dogs.  Giving on a full stomach may help with these signs.  Neurologic side effects (walking as if drunk, rapid eye movements, depression, seizures) can occur in particular with higher doses or longer duration therapy.  Some cats will develop a fever in response to metronidazole therapy.  Animals with liver disease may require dose reduction when being given metronidazole.

What drugs should not be given with Metronidazole?
Efficacy of metronidazole may be effected by concurrent use of phenobarbital.

What follow up is necessary with Metronidazole use?
Medication should be used for some time after signs of illness or disease are gone.  Notify us if a refill is necessary.

Enrofloxacin (Baytril)

Enrofloxacin
Antibiotic
(Baytril)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Brand name and formulations

  • Enrofloxacin (generic)
  • Baytril (animal formula, not approved for human use)
  • Ciprofloxacin (similar human formula, not as reliable in animals)
  • Tablets, Capsules, injectable

What is Enrofloxacin?
Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone family that is a good choice for a variety of infections.  Considered a broad spectrum antibiotic, Enrofloxacin is often considered more of a “big gun” antibiotic, often reserved for more serious or resistant infections such as Pseudomonas.  Bacterial resistance is a growing concern in medicine and one reason fluoroquinolones as a class should be used judiciously.

How is Enrofloxacin given and what if a dose is missed?
Enrofloxacin is typically prescribed for once daily dosing.  If a dose is missed and it is relatively recent, administer said dose.  Do not give two doses at once.

How should Enrofloxacin be stored?
No special considerations.

What is Enrofloxacin’s background?
Pseudomonas has historically been a difficult bacteria for antibiotics to kill.  The fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, including enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, were developed in the 1980’s and provide a good oral option for killing this and several other types of previously challenging bacteria.

What pets should not take Enrofloxacin?
Dogs should be at least 8 months old to take enrofloxacin to avoid possible cartilage damage.  Caution should be used in patients with seizures as enrofloxacin may lower the seizure threshold.  The safety margin in cats in quite narrow and doses greater than 5 mg/kg have been associated with irreversible blindness.

What side effects are associated with Enrofloxacin?
Enrofloxacin at standard doses is typically not associated with any side effects in dogs.  Some cats will develop a fever response to Enrofloxacin therapy

What drugs should not be given with Enrofloxacin?
Enrofloxacin should not be given within 2 hours of sucralfate and some antacids.

What follow up is necessary with Doxycycline use?
Medication should be used for some time after signs of illness or disease are gone.  Notify us if a refill is necessary.

Cephalexin

Cephalexin
Antibiotic
(Keflex)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Brand name and formulations

  • Cephalexin (generic)
  • Keflex (human formula)
  • Tablets, Capsules, and Liquid

What is Cephalexin?
Cephalexin is an antibiotic in the cephalosporin family that is a good choice for “gram positive” infections.  Considered a broad spectrum antibiotic, cephalexin is a good choice for many general infections of unknown origin.  Skin infections are commonly treated with cephalexin.

How is Cephalexin given and what if a dose is missed?
Cephalexin is typically prescribed for twice daily dosing.  If a dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours late, go ahead and give missed dose.  If it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip a dose and resume regular schedule with next dose.  It may be helpful to give on a full stomach.

How should Cephalexin be stored?
The liquid formula should ideally be refrigerated and discarded after 14 days.

What is Cephalexin’s background?
Penicillin was developed in the late 1800’s and became popular in 1943 when it was used during World War II.  There are several limitations with the penicillin class which are addressed by the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.

What side effects are associated with Cephalexin?
Cephalexin may cause nausea and vomiting in some dogs.  Giving on a full stomach may help with these signs.  Some cats will develop a fever in response to cephalexin therapy.

What drugs should not be given with Cephalexin?
There are no specific drug interactions.

What follow up is necessary with Cephalexin use?
Medication should be used for some time after signs of illness or disease are gone.  Notify us if a refill is necessary