Your pet is a member of your family. So how do you make sure they stay as healthy as possible? Three of Northern Virginia’s Top Veterinarians offer some advice on common concerns pet owners have, from hot pavements to deteriorating eyesight.
Dr. Robert Cullen, Shirlington Animal Hospital
Does my pet need booties to walk on pavement in the summer?
The short answer is likely no. Dog paw pads are a lot tougher than ours and while they can sometimes get a little dry and cracked in the summer, they do not typically need additional protection for sidewalks. But walking next to grass that they can go to if they need or on dirt paths also removes any potential for sore paws. All that being said, I wouldn’t recommend going on long walks on hot pavement in the peak of summer because dogs can be prone to overheating and developing heat stroke. This is especially true for older large breed dogs (like Labradors) and brachycephalic or short-nosed breeds (like bulldogs).
Do I need to get my pet microchipped?
While we hope that it’s never needed, a microchip is oftentimes the best and only way to recover a beloved pet who is lost. An open screen door or window, a particularly alluring squirrel, or a sudden dash in the middle of the night can all result in a pet being lost.
Dr. Michelle Samuel, Ocean Veterinary Ophthalmology
How can I tell if my pet’s eyesight is deteriorating?
Animals are excellent at adapting to changes in vision, making it harder for us to identify signs of decreased eyesight in our pets. Vision deterioration can occur due to aging, disease, injury, and hereditary conditions. Common symptoms of decreased vision include bumping into furniture or objects, increased anxiety, “clingy” behavior, more hesitancy while navigating their environment, and become easily startled or confused. Even at home, a pet may bump into new objects, have difficulty finding their toys or food, become reluctant to use stairs or jump onto their favorite furniture, or become resistant to their normal walk routine. Contact your veterinarian if your pet’s vision decreases, as some conditions can be treated to improve vision.
How would I know if my pet has an eye injury?
Common symptoms include squinting, holding the eye completely shut, tearing, pawing/rubbing the eye, bloodshot eye, cloudiness or change in eye color, and discharge from the eye. Nonspecific symptoms of an eye injury may include general discomfort, decreased activity, sleeping more, and decreased interaction with family members. Ocular injuries vary greatly in severity, and many are considered medical emergencies.
Dr. Robert B. Justin, VCA Leesburg Veterinary Internal Medicine
What are some of the most common internal issues that dogs and cats face?
Gastrointestinal complaints (vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite) are probably the most common presenting complaints at our internal medicine practice. Renal disease, especially in our older canine and feline patients, is also a very common presenting problem.
When should I be concerned about my pet’s gastrointestinal health?
Dogs and cats may occasionally vomit or have diarrhea, often associated with diet changes or dietary indiscretion (like getting into the trash). These episodes are usually minor and self-limiting. Chronic vomiting and diarrhea may indicate a more serious problem. These symptoms accompanied by poor appetite and/or weight loss are more likely to represent serious health issues like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic problems, or dietary intolerance. Also, gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can occur when patients have serious underlying conditions such as liver disease, renal disease, endocrine problems, and underlying neoplasia (cancer).
Feature images courtesy Robert Cullen, Michelle Samuel, and Robert Justin
This story originally ran in our July issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
